Almost 85,000 people have signed a petition calling on London mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) not to renew Uber’s five-year license unless the company guarantees basic employment rights to its drivers.
Started by global campaign group, SumOfUs and supported by members of the GMB union, the petition calls on TfL to renew Uber's license only under the conditions that the company guarantees its drivers the national minimum wage, paid holidays and sick leave.
Last week Transport for London (TfL) issued Uber London a limited a four-month private hire operator licence taking it through until September, and said it is still concluding its 'consideration of a five-year licence'.
Uber was originally licenced in 2012 and its five-year private hire licence expires on 30 May.
Campaigners claim many drivers 'are working long hours for less than the UK national minimum wage in order to try and make ends meet'.
Eoin Dubsky, Campaigner at SumOfUs, said: 'The tide is turning on this Silicon Valley giant. Transport for London has some strong policies on protecting London workers, which is why we are asking them and Mayor Sadiq Khan to force Uber to shape up.
'Too many Uber drivers are working long hours for less than the minimum wage in attempt to make ends meet. Transport for London has a right and responsibility to put the brakes on Uber's recklessness - that may send an important signal to other ‘gig economy’ corporations and city authorities around the world.'
Transport Network has approached Uber for a response.
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