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Area Uber Drivers Seek Basic Workplace Protections

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Local Uber drivers who are looking for basic workplace protections have their eyes on a New York union affiliate.

The Independent Drivers Guild based in the Big Apple is a joint project between the Machinists Union and independent drivers. The guild is recognized by Uber.

Uber drivers here would like to have the same support and protections that Uber drivers in New York have, like an in app gratuity option and an appeals panel to hear their side if Uber deactivates the driver from the system for some reason (for example, poor rating score from passengers).

Ali Razak is an Uber Black driver and leads the Philadelphia Limousine Association …

"A lot of of times it happened that we went there and ask them to review. These drivers have been kicked out of the office. They are not even allowed, once you have been deactivated, you cannot even enter the Uber premises."

Razak says there is an effort under way to get 3,000 of the estimated 5,000 active Uber drivers in Pennsylvania signed up with the guild.

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