Why were people boycotting Uber?

#DeleteUber: Why People Boycotted the Ride-Hailing Giant

In 2017, Uber faced widespread public backlash that culminated in the viral #DeleteUber movement. This boycott was sparked by a series of controversies that exposed the company’s toxic workplace culture and questionable business practices.

Toxic Workplace Culture

Allegations of rampant sexual harassment within Uber’s ranks ignited public outrage. In 2017, former Uber engineer Susan Fowler published a blog post detailing the pervasive harassment and discrimination she experienced during her time at the company. Her account sparked a firestorm of media attention and led to an internal investigation.

The investigation uncovered a culture of silence and retaliation against victims of harassment. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick was forced to resign, and the company implemented a series of reforms aimed at addressing its toxic workplace culture.

Perceived Political Missteps

Uber’s decision to surge pricing during New York City’s taxi strike in 2014 drew wide criticism. The move was seen as exploiting a difficult situation for drivers and riders alike.

In 2017, Uber’s lobbying efforts against Proposition 22 in California backfired. Proposition 22 sought to classify ride-hailing drivers as independent contractors, exempting them from certain labor protections. However, voters rejected the measure, leading to an exodus of Uber drivers from the state.

Disgruntled Employees

Low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of benefits contributed to dismal employee morale at Uber. Drivers complained of unfair treatment and unpredictable earnings. Many were frustrated by the company’s relentless pursuit of growth at the expense of its workers’ well-being.

#DeleteUber Movement

The #DeleteUber movement gained traction as people expressed their outrage over Uber’s culture and practices. Social media users encouraged others to delete the Uber app from their phones as a form of protest.

The boycott had a significant impact on Uber’s business. The company’s valuation plummeted, and it struggled to retain drivers and riders. Uber eventually acknowledged the need for change and made a number of concessions to improve its workplace culture and business practices.

Legacy of #DeleteUber

The #DeleteUber movement raised awareness about the importance of corporate accountability and workplace safety. It also highlighted the power of social media to mobilize public opinion and drive change.

Uber has since taken steps to address the issues that led to the boycott. However, the legacy of #DeleteUber serves as a reminder that companies must prioritize ethical behavior, workplace culture, and the well-being of their employees and customers.