Uber’s crisis PR activities have returned to relative normality in Asia after the U. S. firm ran into fresh issues with government regulators in two countries..
Uber’s crisis PR activities have returned to relative normality in Asia after the U. S. firm ran into fresh issues with government regulators in two countries this week: Hong Kong and Thailand.
The ride-sharing giant has been fighting some serious corporate fires in the U. S. lately — around its toxic work culture , connections to a polarizing U. S. President, and its CEO’s attitude to its drivers — but it is back to basics as UberX drivers in the two countries come under fire for operating in legal grey areas.
In Hong Kong, five UberX drivers were fined HK$10,000 (around $1,300) and banned from driving for 12 months after being found guilty of using their vehicles for commercial services, Reuters reported. The fines date back to a raid in August 2015, reportedly carried out following complaints from licensed taxi drivers. The drivers themselves bear the legal brunt of the case because of Hong Kong’s legal system, so the uncertain legal status of the service could deter other drivers from signing up.
“We are very disappointed with today’s court decision, which we believe goes against the best interests of riders, drivers and the city of Hong Kong itself,” Uber said in a statement.
“We have consistently sought to partner with authorities and other stakeholders to find solutions that enable ridesharing to flourish, and we will be submitting proposals for regulatory reform to the existing Government and the three Chief Executive candidates,” it added.
