Uber drivers in Sydney claim that the rideshare app’s algorithms are pressuring them to break road rules to expedite passenger pickups. This allegation comes as unions push for new legislation in New South Wales (NSW) that would allow access to the proprietary algorithms used by companies like Uber and Amazon.
Rideshare driver Bana, who prefers to be identified by his first name, has publicly criticized the rideshare giant as part of a union-led campaign. He recounted that during a recent 10-hour overnight shift, the Uber app repeatedly instructed him to pick up passengers in illegal zones.
“It told me to stop in a no-stopping zone,” Bana said. “It told me to park in a bus zone in Park Street [Sydney CBD] and wait for a passenger. It told me to do U-turns at traffic lights.”
Drivers face potential trip cancellations and low star ratings if they fail to pick up passengers at the requested locations, risking deactivation from the app.
Algorithm Transparency and Driver Stress
Jay Young, a part-time rideshare driver and Transport Workers Union (TWU) delegate, highlighted the stress and anxiety caused by the opaque nature of rideshare algorithms. He noted that drivers who frequently decline trips they deem unworthy are penalized by limited access to trip information.
“Without an acceptance rate over 85 per cent on Uber, you can’t see the direction or the duration of the trip,” Young explained. “You’re driving blind.”
In response, an Uber spokeswoman stated that the company has introduced a real-time reporting feature for drivers to flag unsafe pickup areas and closed roads, based on driver feedback.
Legislative Push for Algorithm Access
The NSW government has introduced a bill aimed at ensuring that employer algorithms and automation practices do not endanger worker health and safety. If passed, the legislation would empower union delegates to access and inspect digital systems relevant to suspected violations.
The Shop Distributors Union (SDU) has also raised concerns about algorithms dictating unrealistic work timeframes in distribution centers.
“You’ll have workers working to an algorithm, a bit like Pavlov’s dog,” said SDU state secretary Bernie Smith. “It’ll be binging as they go, and if they don’t keep up, then they have consequences to follow.”
Industry Concerns and Opposition
A coalition of industry bodies has expressed alarm over the proposed legislation, arguing that it represents a significant departure from national laws. These groups, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, fear that the bill could lead to unprecedented access to business data, raising privacy and cybersecurity concerns.
NSW Workplace Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis defended the bill, citing recommendations from parliamentary inquiries into worker safety. She urged employers to embrace the legislation, pointing to a high number of psychological injury claims linked to current systems and algorithms.
Uber has criticized the NSW government for not consulting businesses before introducing the bill. A spokesman for the Tech Council of Australia warned that the legislation could stifle industry innovation.
“It could impact any and all New South Wales businesses that are using an online platform, automation, an algorithm or artificial intelligence to allocate work, including rostering and team resourcing,” the spokesman said.
The bill is set for debate in the new year, leaving the future of algorithm transparency and worker safety in the balance.
