An Uber driver in British Columbia, Aman Sood, was assaulted by a passenger, leaving him with injuries that prevent him from working. Sood started driving full-time for Uber after losing his yoga business due to COVID-19. The altercation occurred after Sood picked up a passenger who was unhappy with the suggested route in the Uber app. The passenger hurled insults and attacked Sood, leaving him with neck and arm injuries. Sood’s experience raises concerns about worker safety in the gig economy.
Sood is calling for medical coverage for app-based workers like himself, who are currently not covered by workers’ compensation. Sussanne Skidmore, the president of BC Federation of Labour, supports this idea and believes app-based workers should be classified as employees, which would give them access to benefits. Skidmore argues that both Uber and the provincial government have a responsibility to protect workers in the gig economy.
In response to the attack, Uber issued a statement condemning the behavior and banning the rider’s account. The incident is currently under investigation by the Abbotsford Police Department. Sood says he is not ready to return to driving for Uber and is considering alternative job options.
Sood’s experience highlights the potential dangers and lack of protections for gig economy workers, who are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification can result in a lack of benefits and legal protections, making it difficult for workers to seek help when they are injured or assaulted on the job.