The Uber Workplace in D.C.

Summary

The on-demand ride-hailing industry presents challenges for its new workforce . These include: drivers not knowing how much they earn; increased financial risk and debt; and dangers to health and safety . In keeping with the mission of the Kalmanovitz Intiative for Labor and the Working Poor to advance public policy that improves workers’ lives, this report about a two-year investigation of the working conditions of 40 Uber drivers in the Washington, D .C . area reveals that: 1. Uber drivers do not know how much they earn or lose. • 100% of drivers experienced difficulties with, or barriers to, calculating their actual compensation . 2. Data about the Uber workplace is limited. • Regulators and researchers do not have access to basic information about labor conditions . 3. Uber drivers are encouraged to take on financial risk and debt. • 33% of drivers took on debt as a result of their work on the ride-hailing platform . 4. Uber drivers report challenges to their health and safety. • 30% of drivers reported physical assaults or safety concerns . 5. Despite these challenges, the Uber workplace remained attractive. • 50% of drivers would recommend the job to a friend . • 45% of drivers planned to keep working the job for at least six more months .