Uber drivers demand minimum prices: the trade association warns of precarious working conditions in platform-based transport.

A recent survey by Watson Switzerland sheds light on the working reality of many drivers who operate on platforms such as Uber. The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars e.V. (BVTM) sees this as a warning signal for Germany as well and calls for political action.

High workload and demand for minimum prices

According to the survey, 83 percent of the Uber drivers surveyed work more than eight hours a day, 53 percent even more than ten hours. Many are also on duty six or seven days a week.
38 percent of the respondents advocate government-set minimum prices, and a further 24 percent desire tighter regulation of the platform companies.

Association warns of unfair competition

The Federal Association of Taxi and Car Rental Services sees in the results a “wake-up call” for Germany. According to the association, platform business models intensify competitive pressure here as well – to the detriment of those who actually carry out the rides. Many drivers work under conditions that are economically barely viable.

“If even Uber drivers call for minimum prices, it shows how strong the pressure on the platform market has become,” says Michael Oppermann, managing director of the Federal Association of Taxi and Car Rental e. V. “This is a wake-up call for Germany. Fair mobility requires fair prices – for everyone who transports people, whether via an app or a taxi company.”

The association criticizes that platform companies frequently present themselves as drivers of innovation, while at the same time social and legal standards come under pressure.

“It is absurd that platform companies present themselves as innovators, while their drivers have to fight for fair pay and minimum prices,” continued Oppermann. “Innovation must not mean circumventing laws or undermining social standards.”

Three central demands for policymakers

As a consequence, the Federal Association of Taxi and Car Rental demands:

1. the introduction of minimum prices for all ride services, regardless of the mediation form,
2. a clear regulation and effective supervisory oversight of platform providers such as Uber and Bolt,
3. the safeguarding of social standards so that drivers in the platform sector are not worse off than employees in the traditional taxi industry.