Mark MacGann, the former lobbyist who exposed the unethical polices perpetrated by Uber has asked to look into the “disproportionate” and “undemocratic” power held by tech companies.
Speaking to a committee comprising of members of the European Parliament, MacGann said Uber’s practices were “borderline immoral”.
In his submission, MacGann expressed optimism with the hearing saying his testimony should help the lawmakers understand why, “giving disproportionate power in legislation to huge tech platforms risks shattering the social justice.”
The European Union is discussing proposals tabbed before it that requires gig-economy companies to ensure workers get the minimum wage, access to sick pay and holidays. One of the proposals, if adopted, would shift the burden of proof on employment status to companies, rather than the individuals who work for them.
Speaking to the question of quest of justice for the aggrieved employees of tech companies, MacGann said: “The financial burden has to be on those who can afford it, which means the platform companies and not the drivers,” he said. “Companies like Uber have so much money to drown you in legal fees.”
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Between 2015 and 2016 alone, Uber spent $90m on lobbying and communication and had “tens, if not hundreds of millions” available globally for expensive lawyers,” said MacGann. He went on to point out that: “I am not qualified to talk about the legality of Uber’s lobbying practices, I just think that some of it for me is borderline immoral.”
Nicolas Schmit, the European Union commissioner for jobs and social rights, expressed his concerns with the interference from some members of the European Parliament on the proposals.
Additionally, the European Parliament is looking into revelations that former EU commissioner Neelie Kroes – who is facing corruption charges – secretly helped Uber to lobby a string of Dutch politicians, including the Prime Minister Mark Rutte.