The Canary Islands have been plunged into a crisis as Uber drivers prepare to strike affecting Tenerife’s transport.
The company is available in over 10,000 cities across 70 countries, however those wishing to order a Uber in Tenerife will soon be disappointed as the organisation there is facing turmoil.
A discontent is growing among Uber drivers on the Spanish island over working conditions, inadequate wages and alleged workplace discrimination.
Workers feel they have been neglected by the company and as a result have planned a strike to fight back and make their voices heard.
Frustrated workers have announced plans for a strike in December, with some calling for a complete cessation of work.
José Martínez, a union representative for Moovecars, which manages Uber’s fleet in Tenerife, has been exposing the state of the company’s operations.
Mr Martínez believes many drivers earn less than the Spanish minimum wage and as a result are struggling to make ends meet.
He told Canarian Weekly: “This month, I’ve worked only four days and earned €996, the same as my colleagues, essentially the minimum wage after taxes.”
Mr Martínez has also highlighted that out of 30 luxury Audi A6 vehicles under the Uber Black service only five are currently operational due to poor maintenance.
“The Cabildo (council) thinks there are 30 cars, but only four or five are actually working. The rest are broken down,” he said.
Tourists in particular will be hit hard by the looming December strike with holidaymakers making up 95% of Uber’s clientele on the island thanks to its convenience.
A key issue fuelling the strike is the the removal of night shift bonuses.
One driver said: “Earlier, I’d receive partial night shift compensation. Now, I work the entire night shift and don’t even get €40 for it.”
