A programmer recently developed a Google Chrome browser extension that checks Uber Eats payments to make sure that drivers aren't being underpaid by the app. The plugin, boldly named UberCheats, keeps track of the distance traveled by drivers to catch reported underpayments.
Launched in 2014, Uber Eats was founded as an independent expansion of the the Uber ridesharing service. It operates much like Postmates and DoorDash, where s can utilize their own vehicles to deliver food. Since Uber's founding in 2009, it has faced accusations that the service mistreats and underpays workers. Uber Eats, and its parent company, recently made the news when it was reported that drivers drivers as employees.
On Tuesday, programmer and Uber Eats driver Armin Samii announced the launch of UberCheats, a Chrome extension that detects if Uber Eats underpays drivers. This comes as a response to an alleged software bug in the app that can cause a miscalculation of distance. Samii claims that "around 22%" of Uber Eats trips are underpaid by more than half a mile, and that Uber Eats is aware of this glitch and has, so far, not made any moves to fix it. If the bug is real, and widespread enough, it could mean that drivers are consistently being underpaid by the app.
How UberCheats Works & What It Means For Uber Eats
The plugin works by checking each Uber Eats statement against the distance the driver traveled, to confirm that the app is providing the correct payout. When drivers open their statement, the extension will warn them if the Uber Eats fare doesn't match up to what the driver should be owed. If there is a discrepancy, drivers can then reach out to Uber Eats to be refunded the amount owed.
This news doesn't come at a good time for Uber Eats' parent company, Uber. With the recent ruling in California, COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the need for services like this.
Source: Armin Samii/Twitter