Is Uber a civil right ?

Seems like that would be up to Uber.

 

except the drivers are employees of Uber.

 

Are they employees? I think The reason why Uber can dodge a whole lot of employment requirements (like healthcare) is because they claim the drivers are independent contractors. And since they are independent contractors, the decision about what areas to service and even who to pick up are up to the drivers… some apps show the “tip” amount in advance, so low tippers can be declined, for example.

 

I would think so. But maybe not since they are 1099 employees?

 

I’m not following you here at all. I think Uber compels their employees to do lots of things. Like not speeding, or carrying insurance or having a license to drive or working within certain zip codes. I don’t see how this is any different.

 

Uber is probably trying to avoid a racial discrimination law suit. If they have analytics that show a driver is usually willing to drive X miles for Y dollars, but turns down similar or better offers to "diverse" neighborhoods, then they probably have enough evidence to "fire" the driver.

 

I’ve wondered if Uber drivers avoid areas with a higher crime rates or lots of drunks.

 

I don't think they tell people to avoid certain areas. They tell people the decision on what areas to work in is entirely up to them. If they told drivers otherwise, they wouldn't be independent contractors any longer and Uber might lose it's ability to deny the drivers benefits/health insurance.

So this is a different issue. Race is a "protected class", so you can't compare it to the homophobic bakers, because "gay" isn't a protected class (yet). I mean, no one can seriously say "I have a deeply held religious belief not to drive black people to poor neighborhoods"

 

It's a civil right not be discriminated against, if it's based on race. If Uber's Analytics show a driver denying service to minorities areas repeatedly, when other factors (distance, money) are the same, then Uber probably has grounds to fire the driver. I feel like already said that...

But, no, Uber itself is not a civil right. If someone is a $0 tipper or wants to be driven 200 miles, then of course the driver can deny the trip on grounds that it's not financially beneficial to him/her.

 

What are you talking about? Who is "red lining" areas for ride share? I've said repeatedly that if denying ride shares is based on race, the Uber can probably fire the driver...

 

Maybe you should talk about that then instead of playing whataboutism for the things you really want to complain about.