Uber says it understands concerns over salaries raised by its drivers

JOHANNESBURG - E-hailing service, Uber, said it understands concerns over salaries raised by its drivers.

The response follows a protest on Tuesday at its Parktown branch, where drivers blocked roads, disrupting traffic, north of Johannesburg.

READ: Protesting e-hailing drivers say policy, rate changes have hit their pockets hard

The drivers are aggrieved by policy changes that have resulted in deductions of up to 50% from the funds they make on their trips.

In a written statement, the e-hailing provider said it was taking steps to ensure reliable access for riders and drivers.

The statement did not address the allegations of policy changes; instead, it said that drivers were an important part of the success of Uber in the country.

It went on to say the provider regularly engaged drivers.

Uber driver, Victor Mpongo, said this is not true.

"Under their policies, they wake up and amend whatever they want to amend without engaging us as a stakeholder. If you are a partner, you should engage them if there are changes.

The drivers said they were still waiting to be connected directly to engage in negotiations of policy changes.