Facing economic problems and not contributing to social security: this is how Uber drivers live in Latin America
A study by Uber and the Inter-American Development Bank reveals that most drivers in Latin America face economic difficulties, live with debt, and do not contribute to social security, reflecting labor fragility in platform economies.
TL;DR
- 88% of Uber drivers in Latin America report financial insecurity, 75% live with debt.
- Only 30% of drivers contribute to a pension system.
- Drivers average 19.3 hours of work per week, earning $7.30/hour before costs.
- Nearly two-thirds of drivers depend on this income for basic necessities.
- Platform work is described as a buffer against economic shocks rather than a stable career.
- The workforce is predominantly male (91%), with an average age of 41.
- Over half of drivers have completed higher education.
- 8% of drivers are migrants, with Chile having a significantly higher percentage (28%).
- Flexible hours are valued, but the primary motivation for driving is to generate more income.
- Platform work often lacks the traditional labor protections found in the formal economy.