A coalition of concerned organisations, led by global unions including the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation), has formed to express its shock over a ‘strategic partnership’ between UN Women and Uber, the ‘ride booking’ app provider. The coalition took the message to the floor of the 59th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW59) today, after Uber used the event to announce a plan to supposedly create a million jobs for women drivers.
Speaking from UNCSW59, Brigitta Paas, ITF vice chair, commented: “As unions and NGOs we find it astonishing that UN Women is linking to this organisation, based on a promise of a million jobs that we know are likely to be insecure, ill paid, and potentially unsafe.
“Uber says it operates in 55 countries around the world, but according to our research, almost 40 percent of national or local governments in those countries have said ‘no’ to Uber one way or another.
There is not a day that passes without a news story on Uber, but many of those stories are scandalous and disturbing. They include reports of assaults, surge pricing, and breaches of privacy. There have even been cases of Uber ignoring rulings to shut down its service and indicating to drivers that it will pay the fines and cost of any appeals if drivers are penalised for continuing to use its app to pick up passengers.”
She concluded: “We urge the UN Women organisation to reconsider this announcement of their partnership with Uber without delay.”
Unions and NGOs are continuing to sign up to it, using the email uber@itf.org.uk
We urge UN Women to urgently reconsider this partnership with Uber.
#UNWomenDumpUber
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
Education International (EI)
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
National Taxi Workers’ Alliance
Public Services International (PSI)
Unifor
United Steelworkers-Métallos
KAMLOOPS, B.C. – United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 7619 has issued 72-hour strike notice to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) operation near Logan Lake, B.C., following unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement. The notice was served Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., with the union preparing for potential strike action if an agreement […]
The jobs of thousands of USW members have been plunged into uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs, outsourcing and offshoring. In 2025, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has supported initiatives that help build union-to-union solidarity, which is critical to ensuring workers have a voice. Over the years, the USW has supported the efforts of the Mexican […]
Scott Lunny, United Steelworkers Director for Western Canada, released the following statement following the Alberta referendum vote: “Albertans have made their voices heard. They want to remain part of a strong, united Canada. Now it’s time to put division behind us and get back to work building a better future for working families. “It’s time […]