A top executive from the ride-app company Uber is in Seattle to talk about how the company is helping the region. That comes while the Seattle City Council weighs an unusual ordinance that would allow drivers for Uber, Lyft and taxi companies to unionize.
David Plouffe was campaign manager for President Barack Obama. Now he’s a chief advisor to Uber and a member of its board. He’s in town to help counter a lot of criticism of the company. Drivers have been speaking out – saying they make less than minimum wage, after expenses. That’s why the city council is considering a collective bargaining ordinance. But Plouffe says many Uber drivers are drawn to the service because of the flexibility and a chance to earn some extra money. He says a union would hinder that.
“When you look at who the Uber driver population is, this is not a situation where I think collective bargaining makes sense. You’ve got people who are using the platform in many different ways,” said Plouffe.
He says Uber is helping to improve transportation to underserved areas and reduce drunk driving. Seattle City Council member Mike O’Brien, who’s pushing the unionization idea, says he’s concerned that companies such as Uber are leading to the erosion of family wage jobs. His legislation passed out of committee and awaits a vote by the full council.
