Uber’s Accessibility Failures: Are We Really Surprised in a Gig Economy Built on Exploitation?

Let’s be clear: denying access to someone with a service dog is not just rude, it’s illegal. It’s a direct violation of human rights and a blatant display of ableism. But beyond the legal ramifications, it speaks volumes about the culture that Uber has fostered.

The company’s business model is predicated on minimizing costs and maximizing profits, often at the expense of its workers and its customers. Drivers are classified as independent contractors, meaning Uber avoids providing them with basic employee protections like sick leave, minimum wage, or benefits. This precarious employment situation creates an environment where drivers may feel pressured to prioritize speed and efficiency over everything else, including following the law and treating passengers with dignity.

Think about it: a driver already struggling to make ends meet, constantly battling fluctuating fares and algorithmic manipulations designed to maximize Uber’s revenue, might see a service dog as an inconvenience. A potential mess, a delay, a lower rating – all translating to less money in their pocket. It’s a twisted incentive structure that pits drivers against passengers, fostering a race to the bottom where accessibility and human decency are casualties.

And while Uber issues statements condemning discrimination and promises to retrain drivers, these are often empty gestures. Meaningful change requires a fundamental shift in the company’s business practices, one that prioritizes worker well-being and passenger accessibility over pure profit.

This isn’t just about Uber, either. It’s about the gig economy as a whole and the neoliberal policies that enable its proliferation. The relentless drive for deregulation, the erosion of labour protections, and the dismantling of the social safety net have created a fertile ground for companies like Uber to thrive, often at the expense of vulnerable populations.

We need stronger regulations and enforcement to ensure that companies like Uber are held accountable for their actions. We need to empower workers with collective bargaining rights so they can fight for fair wages and working conditions. And we need to create a society where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a fundamental right.

This is where the creeping threat of right-wing populism becomes relevant. While they may posture as champions of the “little guy,” their policies often serve to further entrench corporate power and weaken worker protections. They champion deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, which ultimately exacerbates inequality and creates the conditions for companies like Uber to exploit both their workers and their customers.

We cannot allow the pursuit of profit to trump basic human rights. Uber’s accessibility failures are a wake-up call. It’s time to demand a more just and equitable economy, one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their abilities. It’s time to build a Canada that is truly accessible, for everyone.