The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) reached out to Uber for comment on the Solidarity Center report titled "LOW PAY, NO SUPPORT: Sri Lanka Delivery Drivers Fight for Worker Rights". Uber's response can be seen below:

Subject: Response to Solidarity Center Report on Worker Rights

Thank you for sharing the report. We would like to offer additional context to clarify several points raised in the report. Drivers and couriers are front and center for us and we continue to stay committed to their well-being.

Uber first entered Sri Lanka in 2015. Over the past 9 years, we have served numerous

riders and eaters and provided flexible livelihood opportunities to several drivers and

delivery partners. As per a report by Public First, in 2021 alone, Uber generated LKR 81

billion for the Sri Lankan economy.

Flexibility is core to our platform that empowers drivers and couriers to choose their own

working hours. Our aggregated data from Q3 2024 indicates that 84% of Uber drivers and

76% of Uber Eats couriers in Sri Lanka were online fewer than 40 hours per week. An

internal survey found that the flexibility of work hours and the independence offered by

Uber Eats were key motivators for female and LGBTQ+ partners to join the Uber Eats

platform in Sri Lanka.

We encourage our partners to prioritize their health and drive responsibly to ensure safety

for all. On mobility vertical, we send drivers “fatigue alerts” that continue escalating in

urgency and tone and recommend drivers to take a break and we maintain 12 hour limit for driver partners on the platform.

Safety and Wellbeing

At Uber, we believe that our work on safety never stops. We have equitable policies for

riders and drivers as well as men and women. We offer several tech-enabled features today that enhance safety on every ride and delivery. On the mobility vertical, female drivers can share their trip with up to 5 trusted contacts; and connect with a safety agent around the clock through a safety helpline.

Uber also signed the Global Charter on Courier Safety and Health with the International

Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in 2024. This agreement provides a comprehensive

framework for improving safety and health standards, including harassment prevention and the protection of women workers. Uber has also demonstrated leadership in advocating for social causes, including raising awareness about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, Uber launched an awareness campaign to educate the public and our female partners on these critical issues.

Insurance and Support for Injuries

Uber has partnered with a third-party insurance provider to offer accidental insurance in the event of accident-related injuries or death to drivers, riders, and couriers.

Unionization and Worker Representation

Globally, Uber has a constructive ongoing dialogue with unions. We have signed a

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), a global network of nearly 700 unions representing over 20 million workers. This MoU, renewed in 2024 for another two years, emphasizes Uber’s commitment to engaging with worker organizations. The Global Charter on Courier Safety and Health referenced above is an outcome of continuous, constructive dialog as part of this MoU.

We’ve always believed in making a positive contribution for the communities where it

operates.

A snapshot of our social impact programs:

Scholarships for Families of Couriers: We started a scholarship program to support the

families of couriers on our platform. Over 1100 children of Uber Eats couriers have already

benefited from the program, receiving scholarships and school supplies (like school

stationary, laptops) over the last 3 years.

Vision Care Campaign: Uber invested over LKR 2 million in 2022, offering free eye

check-ups and vision correction glasses to 1000 drivers and couriers in Colombo as part of

its vision correction program with the Ministry of Transportation. With this, we attempt to

reduce the number of road accidents caused due to faulty vision and enhance safety.

Diviyata Diriya: Uber’s flagship program on empowering Women and the LGBTQ+

Community/Advocacy and Social Responsibility: This was launched in May 2018 to

create livelihood opportunities for women and the LGBTQ+ community in Sri Lanka. Since

then it has now extended beyond economic opportunities to promote empowerment,

well-being, and safety.

01. Self-Defense Training Sessions and Legal Awareness Sessions: Provided

practical self-defense skills and essential legal knowledge to women and LGBTQ+

partners.

02. Menstrual Hygiene Awareness on Menstrual Hygiene Day: Focused on

educating female partners about menstrual hygiene management, providing them

with practical guidance and access to essential resources.

03. Breast Cancer Screening for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: We offered free

breast cancer screenings in partnership with healthcare providers. We emphasized

the importance of early detection and preventive care.

04. Financial Management Training: These sessions aimed to equip partners with

skills in budgeting, goal setting, and investment strategies, enabling them to achieve

financial stability and independence.

Uber Eats refresh point for Partners: Earlier this year, we launched Sri Lanka’s first

Refresh & Rest Facility, in partnership with Celeste Daily, for couriers across all platforms

and not just Uber. Located on Iswari Road, Colombo 06, the facility provides couriers with a comfortable and safe environment to take a break during the day. It offers protection from

rain and sun, provides clean and hygienic restrooms and shower facilities, to help couriers

take a break when they need it.