One of the most alarming allegations against Uber is discrimination. In recent years, a number of lawsuits have been filed alleging discrimination involving race, gender, disability, and more. In the article below, we provide more information on Uber discrimination claims, examples of the types of claims that are pending, and what you can do if you are the victim of discrimination.
If you have questions about Uber lawsuits, contact the Uber lawyers at Kherkher Garcia, LLP.
What are the Discrimination Accusations Against Uber?
Uber has been accused of discrimination on a number of fronts, including:
- Racial Discrimination: There have been allegations that Uber’s facial recognition system is biased against people of color, leading to some drivers being falsely terminated. In the UK, three former Uber drivers have filed employment tribunal claims alleging that they were unfairly dismissed because the facial recognition system failed to identify them.
- Gender Discrimination: There have been reports of female riders being sexually harassed by Uber drivers. In 2017, Uber agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company had failed to adequately address sexual harassment by its drivers.
- Disability Discrimination: In 2021, the US Department of Justice sued Uber, alleging that the company had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by charging wait time fees to riders with disabilities. Uber eventually agreed to settle the lawsuit, agreeing to pay millions of dollars in compensation to affected riders.
Uber has denied all of the allegations of discrimination, but it has taken some steps to address the concerns. For example, the company has updated its facial recognition system to improve accuracy, and it has implemented new policies to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination against riders and drivers.
It is important to note that these are just allegations, and Uber has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing. However, the allegations have raised serious concerns about the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It will be important to see how Uber responds to these concerns in the future.
Uber Criticized for Corporate Culture
In addition to the specific claims of discrimination mentioned above, Uber has also been criticized for its broader corporate culture. Some critics have accused the company of being too focused on growth and profits, and not enough on the well-being of its drivers and riders. There have also been allegations of a toxic work environment at Uber. There are reports of sexual harassment and discrimination against female employees.
Uber has responded to these criticisms by saying that it is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. The company has also said that it is taking steps to improve the safety of its platform for riders and drivers. However, it remains to be seen whether Uber will be able to overcome the challenges it faces and create a truly inclusive and equitable company.
Examples of Uber Discrimination Claims
There are too many cases and claims to list them all. However, we can provide some insight into some of the well-known cases involving discrimination allegations against Uber. Here are a few examples:
Susan Fowler’s Allegations
Former Uber engineer Susan Fowler published a blog post in February 2017 detailing her experiences of gender discrimination and a hostile work environment at Uber. She described instances of sexual harassment and misconduct that she and other female employees faced while working at the company. Her blog post sparked an investigation into Uber’s workplace culture and led to the departure of several high-level executives.
Racial Discrimination Allegations
In October 2017, two African American women, one of whom was a former Uber employee, filed a lawsuit against the company alleging racial discrimination. They claimed that Uber’s background check policy disproportionately affected people of color and accused the company of using criminal history as a basis for discriminatory employment decisions.
Disability Discrimination Allegations
In May 2018, a lawsuit was filed against Uber by Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), a non-profit organization. The suit alleged that Uber violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide accessible transportation for passengers with disabilities. The case sought to challenge Uber’s policies and practices that allegedly discriminated against individuals with disabilities.
National Federation of the Blind Lawsuit
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) filed a lawsuit against Uber in 2014, claiming that the company violated the ADA by denying equal access to blind passengers who use service animals. The NFB reached a settlement with Uber in 2016, resulting in changes to Uber’s policies and improvements in accommodating passengers with service animals.
Racial Bias Claims
In October 2020, a former Uber driver filed a lawsuit against the company alleging that its rating system encourages racial bias. The lawsuit alleges that Uber uses the star rating system to terminate drivers, and that doing so constitutes unlawful discrimination. The lawsuit further claims that these actions have a desperate impact on people of color. Uber argued that drivers are not employees and, therefore, are not protected by the Civil Rights Act and included discrimination provisions.
These are just a few examples of discrimination cases involving Uber. There are many other cases being considered in the U.S. and in other parts of the world.
Should I Call a Lawyer if I was Discriminated Against by Uber?
If you believe you have experienced discrimination by Uber or any other employer, it is generally advisable to consult with an employment lawyer who specializes in discrimination cases. A lawyer can provide you with legal advice based on your specific situation, explain your rights, and help you determine the best course of action.
Here are some reasons why contacting a lawyer can be beneficial:
- Legal Expertise: Discrimination cases can be complex, and employment laws can vary depending on where you live and work. An employment lawyer with experience in discrimination cases can provide you with a clear understanding of the laws that apply to your situation. They will also help you navigate the legal process.
- Evaluation of Your Case: An employment lawyer can assess the merits of your discrimination claim by examining the evidence, reviewing your employment history, and considering applicable laws. They can provide an informed opinion on the strength of your case and the potential outcomes.
- Legal Guidance: A lawyer can help you understand the various legal avenues available to you. Options may include filing a complaint with relevant labor authorities, pursuing litigation, or seeking alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. They can guide you through each step of the process and help you make informed decisions.
- Negotiation and Representation: If you decide to pursue legal action, an employment lawyer can advocate on your behalf. They can negotiate with Uber or their legal representatives, and represent your interests in court, if necessary. They can help you seek appropriate remedies, such as compensation for damages or reinstatement, if applicable.
Remember that it is important to act promptly since there may be deadlines or statutes of limitations for filing a discrimination claim. Consulting with an employment lawyer can help ensure that you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect them.
Get Help with an Uber Discrimination Claim
At Kherkher Garcia, our team of lawyers offer comprehensive legal guidance that our clients trust. Our lawyers have experience handling Uber-related claims including rideshare accidents, discrimination, and sexual assault. If you need a skilled lawyer to assess your claim and help protect your rights, we can help.
Find out how we can help you by contacting us for a free consultation. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand the best options for resolving your legal matter. Call us at 713-333-1030 to get started. You can also email us via our website form.
