Sep 13, 2014 09:24 AM EDT
Uber Drivers Protest Against Rising Commissions, Lower Fares in NY

Uber Technologies drivers in New York City protested against the mobile car-booking company's rising commissions and lower fares this week, representing the latest stumbling black for the startup company as it looks to expand around the globe.

The drivers, who call themselves the Uber Drivers Network, protested on Friday in Woodhaven's Forest Park Drive, according to Bloomberg News.

A crowd of about 200 swapped information about how to organize better as a group to try changing how things are done within the company.

A number of drivers said the company was making them take passengers who request rides through the cheaper UberX service, inside of the pricier Uber black-car or SUV service, which hurts the amount of money they receive.

Uber changed its policy Friday to allow drivers to opt in or out of driving for services like UberX.

Some drivers said the San Francisco-based company is leaving them just 62 percent of fares, after Uber originally agreed to give them 80 percent of the price for each ride.

Drivers are planning on protesting again in front of Uber's Long Island City office on Sept. 15.

"We're not going to get tired," said Abdoulrahime Diallo, 28, a driver from the Bronx who was helping to lead the protest, according to Bloomberg. "We're going to do the same thing over and over and over again."

The issue of how the company treats its drivers has also found its way into court. Labor lawyer Shannon Liss-Riordan sued Uber in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts twice since 2012 over issues like allegedly withholding gratuities from drivers.

Uber usually charges a 20 percent commission on rides. Back in March the company raised its fee for its lack-car service to 25 percent from 20 percent.

Uber also charges a 28 percent commission for trips on its SUV service, according to Bloomberg.

In July, Uber "temporarily" cut fares for its cheaper UberX service by 20 percent in New York. Since then, some drivers have said that the reductions have become permanent.

Not all drivers took part in the protest however.

"I'm not complaining because I'm still busy and I make money," said Cosentino, who drives for UberX, according to Bloomberg.

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