An Indictment
An expectation amongst everyone would be a speedy response from police authorities if suddenly discovering someone was trying to break-in into their home, an action both threatening and terrifying but an incident relayed to me by a recent Uber passenger was anything but quick, a poor response endangering her for hours. About six weeks ago she had ordered through Uber Eats, something commonplace enough but the mundane transformed into the unusual when the driver returned, attempting though thankfully failing to enter her apartment. Calling 911 the operator advised her to arm herself while waiting for the Seattle Police to arrive. And so they did, THREE hours later.
Obviously, if the assailant had breached a door or window, who knows what would have occurred. One could guess that nothing good would be the probable answer. She also reported the driver to Uber. And the response to all her trauma?
Why nothing at all. No followup by SPD or Uber, leaving her to wonder whether the gentleman in question is still working for Uber or has been suspended. She doesn't know and probably will never know. If the guy had been arrested and charged, certainly one would think that by now she would know. This kind of doubt is unkind, not knowing if once again he will return to try what he once failed to achieve.
This brings me to what I have known about Uber and local government since Uber's incursion into Seattle's transportation market in 2012: there is no accountability whatsoever, regulatory oversight essentially nonexistent. And this is why the woman could have been raped or killed because no one, not Uber, nor the SPD, nor the City of Seattle or King County (and for what that matter, the State of Washington) are paying attention to what is actually occurring at Uber and Lyft. Later you will read about new expended rights for TNC drivers but that has nothing to do with preventing rapists from breaking down a passenger's door. Clearly there is little protection for TNC customers. To believe otherwise is to embrace a fantasy existing only in the bureaucratic mind and no where else. Is everyone safe? Of course not.
Dumbbell Cabbies Never Learn
A reader commented last week how a fellow Seattle Yellow cabbie had no idea that the MLB baseball season had begun, which is kind of impossible but not when you have no interest in paying attention to, one, the world spinning around you; and two, how to make money driving a cab. Well, you certainly won't if you are clueless but then again, the aforementioned cabbie might not even notice he isn't making any money, instead waiting for manna from whatever personal Heaven he believes in. Maybe a loaf of bread will drop on his head, suddenly awakening him. Miracles do happen, don't they?
Ain't it nice, the State of Washington Kisses the TNC Ass!
Go to "www.Lni.wa.gov/Rideshare" and read all about what Uber and Lyft drivers will be getting but not cabbies, no, no, no! That wonderful caring agency WA State Labor and Industry is now looking out for you. The much aggrieved rideshare drivers are now guaranteed minimums per mile and minute, paid sick leave, and the right to worker's compensation. And you don't have to pay a dime for it. Isn't that nice?!
All I got to say is, that damn Al Gore, he don't like me!
As I have noted recently, Uber algorithms are controlling my money-making reality, just like some crazed Wizard of Oz hiding behind a curtain, giving me short fare after fare but not the fat and juicy. I am making money but Christ this is damn well ridiculous! Just as in the cab world, I dub this short-circuiting---endless short fares driving me nuts!
State of CA Uber and Lyft Drivers haven't given up hope
Last week in California, TNC drivers and the organizations representing them are appealing to the CA State Supreme Court, stating that Proposition 22, put into place by misadvised CA voters, is unconstitutional. They insist they are being treated like employees and not independent contractors. Given my personal experience here in the State of WA, it is hard to disagree. I am a ball kicked here and there and everywhere by Uber, not caring how often I am bruised.
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