Uber drivers strike across Australia this morning

WONDERING why it’s hard to catch an Uber this morning? Drivers have logged off in a bid to make the transport giant change its ways.

Tens of thousands of rideshare drivers across Australia aren’t picking up passengers for transport giant Uber during the morning commute in protest to make its service fairer for drivers.

Ride Share Drivers United want Uber to stop using upfront pricing and go back to paying drivers for the actual time and distance travelled.

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They also want the company to let drivers opt-out of UberPool without penalties and increase UberX rates by at least 15 per cent.

“The issue we raise is countrywide and mostly in Melbourne and Sydney,” Max, spokesman for the group, said.

Uber drivers across the country strike for better conditions. Photo: AFP

“You have a multinational corporation which is exploiting drivers and customers get cheap rides and that comes at the expense of drivers who take home less than minimum wage.

“Uber never consults drivers. Uber needs to bring prices to sustainable levels.” He said customers should not have to bear the brunt of the increased payments for drivers, rather Uber should cut back its commission on rides.

Drivers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart and Perth will log-off between 7am to 9.30am on Monday in the call for Uber to meet their demands within 10 days or face more disruptions.

An Uber spokeswoman told AAP the company wanted successful driver-partners so it had invested in technology to encourage more riders to share tips about the best times and places to drive.

“We have a range of channels for driver-partners to engage with Uber and provide feedback including regular round tables and focus groups, partner support centres around Australia, plus phone and 24/7 in-app support,” she said in a statement.