Uber's British union deal gets mixed reception By AFP Share US ride-hailing giant Uber won a mixed reception Thursday for its historic pact with a British trade union to represent its 70,000 UK drivers. Uber on Wednesday formally recognised the GMB union, after a court ruling granted workers' rights to its UK drivers. The news sparked hope of better working conditions for gig economy staff across Britain but has also generated fierce criticism from some quarters. Trades union umbrella body the TUC described it as a "landmark agreement" that gives Uber drivers "a real voice at work". "Unions won't rest until platform companies across the gig economy agree to work with their staff on improving pay and conditions," said TUC boss Frances O'Grady.