The App Drivers & Courier Union (ADCU) is calling for measures to protect drivers’ livelihoods as autonomous vehicles are introduced into the UK market. Its proposals include employment guarantees for drivers currently working through app-based platforms, a Just Transition Fund financed by companies licensed to operate autonomous vehicles in the UK, and a pause on issuing new private hire vehicle licences in London.
The union’s proposals, says TaxiPoint, follow a critical report from the London Assembly Transport Committee and come as it prepares to protest against Uber’s driverless vehicle programme with Wayve.
ADCU says the transition to autonomous vehicles could have significant implications for London’s public finances and local economy if large numbers of private hire drivers were displaced from the industry. Based on a scenario in which all 113,166 licensed private hire drivers in London claimed Universal Credit, the union estimates an annual welfare bill approaching £3 billion, alongside £3.4 billion in lost earnings and around £6.8 million in reduced tax revenue. These figures represent the union’s estimates of a potential outcome rather than a forecast of the impact of autonomous vehicles.
ADCU’s warning comes as self-driving Pony.ai cars operated by Uber are reported to be under consideration for Manchester. In London, the union says, autonomous vehicle pilots are already under way. It argues that the benefits of large-scale deployment may flow mainly to app companies, while the technology’s data infrastructure is managed outside the UK.
ADCU General Secretary Cristina Ioanitescu said:
“We no longer have any faith that the app companies, regulators or government will ensure a Just Transition for drivers.”
She said many drivers would face barriers to moving into other work, adding: “Most of our drivers are over 40. Many don’t speak English as a first language, and will struggle to secure suitable alternative employment. We want a Basic Income set at full loss of average earnings. That is what Just Transition means. Living wages. Not CV writing classes, funding for night school courses or job counselling.”
(Picture: Olga Gonzalez)
