Attack on cab driver: Uber should take responsibility, says TGPWU

HYDERABAD: In the aftermath of an attack on a cab driver in Hyderabad on September 4, 2022, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) demanded on Monday that it assume responsibility for drivers' safety in the aftermath of an attack on Uber.

The association claims that Syed Lateefuddin, an Uber driver, was attacked by a group of six individuals while on duty in the early hours of September 4, 2022, in Towlichowki area.

Lateefuddin reportedly received a booking to transport a passenger from an isolated area in Shaikpet to Alkapuri. He claimed that six men on bikes attacked him by hitting the back of his car on his way to the pick-up point.

He claimed that despite contacting Uber's emergency services several times, he received no response. He additionally called the police, who arrived immediately on the scene. Based on CCTV footage, the Narsingi police were able to apprehend the perpetrators within 24 hours of the incident.

Lateefuddin sustained minor injuries during the incident, and his car was severely damaged, requiring Rs. 1-1.5 lakhs and several days to repair, according to the association. Lateefuddin approached the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) for assistance, hoping to prevent similar accidents from happening to other drivers.

While the police officials performed their duties efficiently, Shaik Salauddin, Founder and State President of Telangana Gig And Platform Workers Union, claimed that Uber failed to adequately safeguard the driver in the first place, nor did it provide any support during or after the unfortunate accident. This incident occurred while Lateefuddin was on duty for Uber, driving to pick up a customer in a remote and dark area for a trip assigned to him by the Uber algorithm, he alleged.

Lateefuddin's repeated emergency calls while the incident was unfolding were not even responded to, leaving him stranded—a severe deficiency of the emergency infrastructure Uber claims to have in place for drivers' safety. Lateefuddin has not contacted Uber in the days since the incident to inquire about his well-being or offer any assistance. Furthermore, this is not the first incident in which Uber has failed to respond or provide assistance to drivers, according to Salauddin.

Salauddin also claimed that Uber's inaction in the face of such a serious incident is an unacceptable failure to accept responsibility for their drivers' well-being and safety.

Salauddin demanded to pay Syed Lateefuddin's hospital bills and the cost of restoring his damaged car. He also sought that Uber pay Syed Lateefuddin Rs. 1,200 in income compensation for each day that his vehicle is out of action and he is unable to work to support himself.

He additionally asked for the establishment of safety measures to shield drivers from disadvantaged groups and from the hazards they frequently encounter while working for Uber