By Robert Wenzel
Most people have used a taxi at some point to get to a specific destination. However, sometimes an individual can wonder if they are safe in a cab or if the driver has a clear background.
Recently, 19 different taxi cab companies sued Uber Technologies in San Francisco Federal Court. The lawsuit is attempting to hold Uber liable for what the Plaintiffs describe as deceptive advertising. According to the Los Angeles Times Technology Now page, the complaint also states that Uber participates in deceptive advertising practices since taxi drivers only are required to undergo fingerprinting for criminal background checks. Further, the lawsuit also claims that Uber advertises that “they are safer than a taxi” and also offers “the safest rides on the road.”
However, Uber states that they currently compare the names of cab operators against court records, driving records, a national sex offender database and online passenger reviews.
A spokesperson for Uber states that the lawsuit is frivolous and believes that taxi companies should rather focus on safety issues themselves.
There are several issues that this particular case raises. One point is how a company should run background checks on employees. While there may not be a “one size fits all” method, it is imperative that a business perform a thorough investigation of all prospective employees prior to hire. This will allow the organization to get all the pertinent information about the individual in question so the business can hire the employees that best fit their organizational goals.
At the same time, it can be useful for a company to perform periodic reviews of their workers. Additionally, a business may want to know about any legal issues that a worker may face while they are employed by the company. This can help ensure that the employee is complying with all applicable laws; meeting and/or exceeding organizational goals and benchmarks; and ensuring that any potential problems are resolved before they become larger problems.
In addition, the business may want to periodically get feedback from their customers. This can allow the organization to see what their workers are doing correctly and what (if any) negative issues need to be rectified. Furthermore, determining what needs to be changed can lead to better training and education opportunities within the company.
If a business has any questions about performing background checks on individuals or any issues that an employee may be facing, it is always a good idea to speak with a business attorney beforehand. The organization can gain a better understanding of the best method for them to perform background checks while limiting their exposure to any potential issues. The company can also determine the frequency and method to determine employee reviews.
Update: Uber just announced that the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California will establish a permanent “home” for Uber, to better serve customers.