USA – Uber Technologies Inc, one of the world’s largest Ride-hailing firm has launched an app called Uber Works to connect temporary workers looking to work shifts with businesses trying to plug gaps in their rosters.
Uber said in its blog that the app which will be made available only in Chicago for now, will show workers the available shifts in a certain area and help businesses that struggle to staff up during peak demand, and with missed shifts and high turnover.
“We believe a new, technology-first approach can provide faster and easier means for people to get work, while offering greater insight into the many opportunities for work that are out there — improving the experience for workers and businesses alike,” the company said.
Uber Works, according to a company spokesman, “has a business dashboard and we connect directly with businesses, including restaurants and others, to assist them with filling empty shifts.”
Uber claims its app will make it easier to find and take a shift while also giving businesses more flexibility to increase staff when it gets busy and make scheduling easier.
It will also include information for workers about the skills and possible attire required for the job and allows them to track their hours.
The company said it’s partnering with staffing agencies that “employ, pay and handle worker benefits.” Uber spokesman Xavier Van Chau said the app will charge businesses for the jobs they fill.
He said the rate will vary based on how quickly the shifts need to be filled, qualifications required and other factors.
The move to diversify its core business comes at a time when Uber’s main ride hailing operations face competition in Asia, while the U.S. company is also facing regulatory scrutiny for classifying its drivers as independent contractors.
Uber reported a record $5.2 billion loss in the second quarter, with its results showing slowing revenue growth that raised questions about its ability to expand and fend off competition
The move to diversify its core business comes at a time when Uber’s main ride hailing operations face competition in Asia, while the U.S. company is also facing regulatory scrutiny for classifying its drivers as independent contractors.
Last month, a driver with Uber sued the company after California legislators voted to help thousands of those workers become employees and enjoy associated benefits.
A new California law designed to limit the use of “gig” workers goes into effect on Jan. 1.
Uber reported a record $5.2 billion loss in the second quarter, with its results showing slowing revenue growth that raised questions about its ability to expand and fend off competition.
Uber’s spokesman said that the company is focused on making its launch in Chicago a success and did not reveal whether Uber had plans to expand Uber Works to other cities.
