Uber drivers perception about their work and health conditions in the context of Covid-19

Abstract

Work mediated by platforms such as Uber sells an illusory idea of ‘entrepreneurship’ to mischaracterize labor relations, without losing control over drivers. In the Covid-19 pandemic, Uber drivers had to handle with additional costs to adopt protective measures in order to avoid risks of contamination by Sars-CoV-2. Quantitative cross-sectional study based on a convenience sample with Uber drivers. The research instrument was a questionnaire developed by the researchers, with contributions from representatives of associations and unions. Out of 500 Uber drives in the WhatsApp groups, 104 drivers participated in the study, 50% referred working-hours equal or above 11 daily hours, and 24% worked seven days a week. In
the pandemic, 79% reported a reduction in working hours, 96% had a decreased income and 17% presented symptoms compatible with Covid-19. Poor working conditions were aggravated during the pandemic that highlighted the vulnerability of the application-mediated work model. These drivers are exposed to unsafe work conditions, with no guarantees by the hiring company, and also assume all costs and risks of their professional practice. This study gave voice to these drivers and, thus, it can contribute to propose improvements of their working conditions.