Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog has sponsored dozens of billboards across California warning the public about Uber’s failure to deal with rampant claims of sexual assault and misconduct.
The billboards echo the findings of a New York Times investigation published this summer: “Uber received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in the United States almost every eight minutes on average.”
The investigation found that while the company has studied the problem, it has failed to act decisively to better train its drivers and install cameras in its vehicles because of business concerns that its drivers might be considered employees rather than independent contractors.
“Uber delayed or did not require its drivers to adopt some of the most promising programs, nor did it warn passengers about factors it linked to attacks, according to interviews with more than a dozen current and former employees, internal documents and court records,” according to the report. “Uber’s decisions about safety came as it prioritized growing its user base, avoiding costly lawsuits and protecting its business model, which classifies drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, the records show.”
“Uber puts in profits above the protection of its riders and the public has a right to know,” said Jamie Court, president of the nonprofit group Consumer Watchdog. “Uber is a greedy company that arrogantly seeks to protect itself and its interests at the expense of its rider’s safety and their rights. If it were my daughter, I would call a Lyft.”
This year, Uber used its lobbying power to pressure the California legislature to limit its exposure for damage caused by uninsured motorists who hit its vehicles. The company has also filed a ballot measure to limit the legal rights of all car accident victims to get attorneys.
“Uber is a company that does not respect our social mores, ethical customs or the rule of law,” said Court. “Uber deserves to be exposed and does not deserve our business.”
