New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has filed a powerful shareholder proposal against Uber Technologies Inc., demanding that the company publicly release a comprehensive transparency report on all reported incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and misconduct on its platform.
The proposal is submitted on behalf of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, which holds approximately 2.4 million Uber shares (valued at roughly $240 million).
What the Proposal Is Asking For
The proposal requires Uber’s Board of Directors to fully disclose:
- How the board oversees and is held accountable for preventing sexual violence and harassment
- The actual implementation and effectiveness of “Uber Community Guidelines”
- The current state of driver background checks, complaint resolution processes, and other safety features
- An evaluation of the impact of steps Uber has already taken
The Scale of Reported Incidents Is Alarming
From 2017 to 2022 in the United States, Uber received a report of sexual assault or misconduct approximately every 8 minutes — totaling more than 400,000 incidents.
The company faces thousands of lawsuits nationwide. Key allegations include:
- Inadequate or weak background screening processes
- Delayed or nonexistent action in response to complaints
- Prioritizing rapid growth and profits over passenger safety
Comptroller DiNapoli stated: “For Uber to succeed, its users need to feel safe and not have a shred of doubt about using the service.”
Recent Investigations and Legal Developments
This proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny of Uber’s safety record. Key developments include:
- A proposed California ballot initiative that would hold ride-hailing companies like Uber directly liable for sexual misconduct occurring during rides
- Federal multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3084) consolidating more than 3,000 pending claims, with bellwether trials already underway
- A consumer fraud investigation in New Jersey
- Oversight inquiries by the U.S. House of Representatives
Uber’s Position and Ongoing Criticism
Uber maintains that:
- Safety is its top priority
- Features such as emergency buttons, audio recording options, ride-sharing safeguards, and driver deactivation processes have been implemented
- Multiple safety reports have already been publicly released
However, investors, regulators, and critics argue that these measures remain insufficient given the sheer volume and severity of the allegations.
This issue highlights growing investor concern over ESG risks (Environmental, Social, Governance) — particularly passenger safety and human rights in the gig economy.
The proposal is expected to be put to a vote at Uber’s upcoming annual shareholder meeting.
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