Drivers Denounce Uber CEO’s California Shutdown Threat, Fear Tactics

Uber driver and Mobile Workers Alliance leader José Ulises Cabrera issued the following statement in response to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s threats to shut down in California if the company is forced to comply with state law classifying drivers as employees:

“Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s threats to shut down in California rather than comply with state law guaranteeing drivers basic workplace protections shows just how far gig economy companies will go to cheat workers in order to line their executives’ pockets. Khosrowshahi’s statements are just the latest in a long line of anti-worker rhetoric and fear mongering on the part of gig companies, tactics that have been ratcheted up in the face of mounting pressure by the State of California, drivers, and consumers to correctly classify drivers as employees and pay their fair share into state safety net programs like Unemployment Insurance.

“Drivers will not be intimidated by Khosrowshahi’s scare tactics. Our movement of app-based rideshare and delivery drivers across Southern California is growing stronger every day, and we remain committed to defeating Uber, Lyft, and Doordash’s disastrous Proposition 22 in November.”