Transport unions call for passenger screening, safer work environments for rideshare drivers

A rideshare union has called for sweeping safety reforms after the death of a Queensland Uber driver who was allegedly ambushed by teenagers.

A rideshare union says it was “not surprised” by the death of a Fraser Coast Uber driver allegedly ambushed by teenagers, calling for passenger screening and better safety measures in the dangerous industry to ensure the safety of all drivers.

Scott Cabrie, 47, died while on the job on February 7 after picking up a group of passengers from a house in Hervey Bay.

Two males, aged 17 and 18, allegedly jumped Mr Cabrie, shoved him in the boot of his car, and drove him some distance from town.

Police will allege the 17-year-old boy stabbed Mr Cabrie when he escaped the boot and tried to run away.

They have both been charged over his murder.

Mr Cabrie was a much-loved Uber driver in the community and his death has rocked the small town.

Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie was killed on February 7.

But Rideshare Driver Network (RDN) has revealed they are “not surprised” by the alleged murder of Mr Cabrie amid calls for passengers to be “screened” to ensure the safety of all drivers.

“Every day in Australia, rideshare drivers working for Uber, Ola, DiDi and others work hard to make sure the public gets to their destination efficiently and safely. But safety is a two-way street,” an RDN statement read.

”Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads is right now conducting a ‘safety blitz’ targeting rideshare and taxi drivers, fining rideshare drivers up to $5,750 for installing their own in-car cameras to ensure safety.

”Drivers are specially licenced and their identity confirmed regularly by driver apps using built-in facial recognition software. Drivers by law are subjected to both driving history and criminal history checks.

”Passengers are not screened.”

The statement said that RDN is “not surprised that this horrendous loss of a valuable community member has occurred, only that it has not happened sooner”.

Mr Cabrie was an Uber driver in Hervey Bay when he was killed. Mario Tama/Getty Images/AFP

“The current case, where a driver has allegedly been murdered by an 17 year old passenger is an example of the lack of care exhibited by both rideshare companies and by the Queensland government.”

Transport Workers Union (TWU) National Secretary Michael Kaine said Mr Cabrie’s death highlighted how dangerous the industry was.

“We know from our community of rideshare driver members that Scott Cabrie was an experienced driver and well-respected by his peers,” Mr Kaine said.

“We know rideshare drivers too often face abusive and violent attacks as well as sexual harassment.

“With no system in Australia to provide entitlements to gig economy workers, rideshare drivers have no rights to minimum wage, workers’ compensation, or protections from unfair deactivation.”

TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Kaine said rideshare drivers were being targeted.

“The deprivation of rights makes these workers incredibly vulnerable.

“We need urgent action to create a system of safe standards with enforceable rights and protections for all transport workers in the gig economy.

“Things have got to change.”