Driver and delivery person well-being Improving the quality of independent work While digital apps and platforms have been and continue to be powerful forces for creating economic In the US, European Union, and Canada, we put forward proposals to improve the quality of opportunity, it is clear that more can be done to independent work, calling on policymakers, platform companies, and social representatives to work improve the quality and security of platform work. together on a new approach to platform work—one where having access to protections and benefits The COVID-19 crisis has brought into sharp focus the 13 need for everyone, regardless of their employment doesn’t come at the cost of flexibility and job creation. status, to be able to find good-quality, rewarding In California, we welcomed the passage of Proposition 22, which introduces new requirements for work; be able to work in the way they choose; and have platform companies like Uber to provide benefits, including healthcare stipends, injury protection 14 access to adequate protections and benefits. insurance, and safety training, and fully implemented its requirements. Recent independent research Unfortunately, legal frameworks in some countries with drivers and delivery people in California found that 4 out of 5 drivers are happy Prop 22 passed force platforms and workers to make a choice (82%), and more than 3 in 4 drivers (76%) agree that “Prop 22 benefits me personally.”15 between flexibility and added security for workers. In India, we welcomed the passage of national legislation that requires platform companies, or Just like employees, independent workers should aggregators, to make contributions toward a social security fund for gig and platform workers. have the same ability to protect themselves and their loved ones if they are injured at work, get sick, or want In the UK, we announced that all UK drivers will be treated as workers and receive additional rights and 16 to retire. protections going forward. Pursuant to this change, drivers who use Uber’s platform will earn at least We are committed to partnering with drivers and the National Living Wage for time spent actively working, be paid holiday pay, and will be enrolled into delivery people and their advocates, governments, a pension plan if eligible. We have also announced a partnership with labor union GMB to provide an and other platform companies to improve the even stronger voice to drivers and to raise the standard of flexible work across the industry. quality of independent work. Over the last year, we have advocated on behalf of drivers and delivery 13https://ubernewsroomapi.10upcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Working-Together-Priorities.pdf people in markets around the world to preserve 14https://www.uber.com/blog/california/p22-independent-work/ 15https://www.uber.com/newsroom/prop-22-survey-results/ flexibility of work while expanding access to benefits 16https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/uber-chief-executive-dara-khosrowhahi-drivers-rights-turning- page-b924529.html and protections. 2021 ESG Report 31