Professional drivers’ union claims Uber cannot offer safe service

GMB, the union for professional drivers, has responded to the news that a state court in Frankfurt, Germany, has issued an injunction preventing cab service Uber from offering its services without a specific permit under German transport laws. Steve Garelick, GMB branch secretary professional drivers branch, said "Up until now Uber seems to have adopted the route of forcing its way in to markets on a like it or lump it basis.”
September 3, 2014 Read time: 2 mins

GMB, the union for professional drivers, has responded to the news that a state court in Frankfurt, Germany, has issued an injunction preventing cab service Uber from offering its services without a specific permit under German transport laws.

Steve Garelick, GMB branch secretary professional drivers branch, said "Up until now Uber seems to have adopted the route of forcing its way in to markets on a like it or lump it basis.”

He says the hypothesis Uber puts forward is that the existing rates are high and that monopolies exist that somehow should be broken. He claims rates generally are dropped after a time and, as is the plan with Uber, as soon as a driverless solution is available, drivers will naturally be out of work.

He concludes: “There is a clear concern a company offering technology cannot really offer a service that offers complete safety and this is an issue."

Related Content

  • Driverless Russia: Look – no hands!
    March 26, 2020
    Russia is betting on the importance of driverless cars as the country’s transport system develops in the years to come.
    Read More
  • TfL cycle superhighways plans will still disrupt traffic, says FTA
    January 28, 2015
    The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has set out final plans for the construction of Europe’s longest substantially-segregated urban cycleways, the centrepiece of his US$1.3 billion commitment to get more Londoners on their bikes. Subject to approval by Transport for London, construction of the routes will begin in March. Two continuous cycle routes, almost completely separated from traffic, will cross central London from east to west and north to south, opening up thousands of new journey opportunit
    Read More
  • Connected vehicles - potential to transform US transportation
    April 12, 2013
    There’s a new face in the driving seat at the US Department of Transport’s ITS Joint Program Office. Fortunately, as Robin Meczes finds out, he’s no learner driver… Ask Kenneth Leonard why he wanted his new job as director of the ITS Joint Program Office, and his answer comes back without a second’s delay. “The potential to save lives, reduce injuries and help people enjoy a more efficient transportation system is the kind of challenge that makes me want to come to work each morning,” he says. “In my opinio
    Read More
  • IBTTA 2010 meeting focuses on sustainability
    February 2, 2012
    Ken Philmus, chief meeting organiser, talks about what attendees can expect to see at this year's IBTTA annual meeting and exhibition
    Read More

Highlighted Content