Uber rates surge due to labor dispute
In a significant move, **Uber drivers in Portugal** have launched a strike, voicing concerns over what they deem as **illegal commission fees** and unsustainable working conditions. The key points of the protest are:
- **Violation of Law 45/2018**: The drivers argue that Uber charges commissions exceeding the limits set by Portuguese Law 45/2018, which regulates the activity of chauffeured vehicle services. According to the drivers, Uber's commission fees are above the legal ceiling, violating this legislation[2].
- **Demands for Change**: The drivers are demanding lower commissions that comply with legal limits, fairer working conditions, and a more sustainable economic model for their work. The strike includes periods between 7 am and 10 am, and 5 pm and 8 pm, during which Uber drivers temporarily disable the app, sometimes operating only on alternative platforms such as Bolt[2][3].
- **Impact on Prices**: The strike has led to significant price hikes in Lisbon and other parts of Portugal. CNN Portugal and other reports have noted that Uber prices have surged up to three times the normal fare due to reduced driver availability during strike hours[1][4][5].
- **Political Scrutiny**: While specific parliamentary measures were not detailed in the search results, the prominence of the issue and the legal argument centering on Law 45/2018 suggest ongoing political and regulatory scrutiny. The strike comes amid broader debates on the regulation of ride-hailing services in Portugal[2][3][4][5].
Tiago Sousa, the leader of the Stop Uber movement, is spearheading the protest. The movement is advocating for an investigation and audit process into Uber's billing practices, increased monitoring of electronic platforms to ensure compliance with the law, and greater transparency in contracts and commission charges[6].
Despite guarantees from the president of Bolt's Portuguese platform that the price will increase again, some drivers are turning to alternative platforms during the strike[7]. It is important to note that the majority of drivers' revenue comes from Uber, with drivers receiving a small percentage of the value of each trip[8].
The ongoing strike in Portugal is the largest ever recorded in the country, according to Tiago Sousa. The movement considers an important sign that the drivers' struggle is beginning to be recognized in decision-making circles, as members of the Assembly of the Republic have already requested additional information to act politically on this matter[9].
In essence, the Uber strike in Portugal is primarily a protest against Uber's alleged violation of **commission limits under Law 45/2018**, with drivers demanding fairer commissions and working conditions. The strike has caused significant price hikes and disrupted service availability, bringing attention to regulatory and economic challenges within the ride-hailing sector[2][3][4][5].
- In a noteworthy action, Uber drivers in Portugal, led by Tiago Sousa of the Stop Uber movement, have launched a strike over allegations of illegal commission fees and unfavorable working conditions, specifically referring to the violation of commission limits set by Portuguese Law 45/2018.
- The strike's primary demands include lower commissions that adhere to legal limits, better working conditions, and a more sustainable business model, with drivers temporarily disabling the Uber app during specified hours and occasionally operating on alternative platforms such as Bolt.
- As a direct consequence of the strike, prices in Lisbon and other parts of Portugal have surged, with an increase of up to three times the normal fare due to reduced driver availability during strike hours, causing significant disruption in the transportation industry.
- The strike has also received attention from political and regulatory bodies, an indication of ongoing scrutiny and debate regarding the regulation of ride-hailing services in Portugal, with specific parliamentary measures yet to be detailed.
- Amidst growing public concern and the movement's call for an investigation into Uber's billing practices, however, some drivers are turning to alternative platforms to offset potential losses during the strike, despite assurances of price increases from the president of Bolt's Portuguese platform.
