Uber offers war veterans and their spouses the chance to drive for uberX commission free for three months

Article by Ian McPhedran

 

RENEGADE ride sharing firm Uber will partner with military veterans under a unique deal to be unveiled today.

 

Veterans or their spouses who sign up as drivers on the uberX platform before December 31 this year will pay no commission for the first three months.

That would save a person driving for 50 hours-a-week hundreds of dollars in fees each week.

Uber charges drivers a 20 per cent commission on all fares booked using its apps.

The deal is supported by the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) Association, Australia’s largest defence discounts directory APOD and Enabled Employment.

Ride sharing is seen by many veterans as an ideal way to integrate into the civilian workforce following a military career.

President of the Royal Australian Regiment Association Mike von Berg said the Uber deal was an excellent employment opportunity for ex-members of the ADF who might be having difficulties.

Good option ... President of the Royal Australian Regiment Association Mike von Berg supports the move. Picture: Dean Martin

Good option … President of the Royal Australian Regiment Association Mike von Berg supports the move. Picture: Dean MartinSource:News Corp Australia

“It will allow them to be independent, operate as a sole trader and work the hours they want with less pressure than other jobs,” Mr von Berg said.

He said employment was vital in the process of rehabilitating veterans with mental health issues as well.

Queensland mum Claire Ashman has been driving for Uber for eight months and she has two sons in the military.

“I love it and I think it would be fabulous for veterans. They need all the help they can get to adjust and to have something like Uber is wonderful,” she said.

Ms Ashman drives part-time for about 18 hours a week and has been rated Uber’s top Brisbane driver.

“You work in your own time at your own pace and go on and off line when you want.”

Former RAAF airfield defence guard and flight attendant Clint (he did not want his surname published) has been driving for Uber for eight months after trying six jobs in five years following his 10-year military career.

He works between eight and 10-hours-a-day and earns about $1300-a-week (pre-tax) after paying his 20-per cent commission to Uber.

Uber Driver and ex-RAAF airman Clint, who has been with the company for some time.

Uber Driver and ex-RAAF airman Clint, who has been with the company for some time.Source:News Corp Australia

“I love the flexibility of it and I work when I want to and meeting new people is fun. I haven’t set an alarm clock for seven months,” Clint said.

He said the nil commission idea to attract veterans as drivers was a terrific initiative.

That would mean an extra $300-a-week for 50 hours work and it would allow veterans to see how they liked the work.

Uber spokesman Mal Chia said the company wanted to help veterans to move smoothly into civilian life especially the thousands suffering from mental or physical injury.

“Unfortunately while many of these men and women have risked everything for our country, transitioning from military to civilian life can be equally challenging,” he said.

“We’re proud to be able to partner with such incredible individuals, who help make Uber a service that over one million Australians choose in cities across the country.”

More information is available at https://get.uber.com/cl/ubermilitaryaus/

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