By putting aside her private life, to avoid contaminating her loved ones, Samia, Uber driver, continues to work to help caregivers in her own way.
The coronavirus in a certain way makes it possible to highlight categories of workers, often in the shade, but essential. Despite the health crisis, like caregivers, cashiers, garbage collectors or even drivers do their job so that our "beautiful societies" continue to live. It was thus necessary to wait for the worst to see who are the people who hold a nation upright. Yes, the famous small trades, as they say, are not that "small".
Samia Djebbar, 37, Uber driver since 2016, gets into his car every morning to fight, at his level, the invisible enemy. We met her to find out what is this new daily life where, in her quest to keep her activity for a living, she also gives her time for the nursing staff.
The American mountain bike giant and its home delivery subsidiary have announced 50,000 free races and as many meals offered to staff in nursing homes, home help services and Senior Services residences, until May 31. The personnel concerned in France can register via this link. You just need to enter a professional email address, or provide a document attesting to their activity such as a pay slip.
How is your daily life within the Uber group?
Samia : To maintain the drivers' incomes, given the enormous drop in activity, and to help the nursing staff, Uber quickly set up a transport service, Uber Medic, at a reduced rate, by -25%. It’s a very good initiative because I can work and feel useful. I'm not afraid to take the wheel. What keeps me going is to hear the thanks of the passengers. Yesterday, a doctor from Saint-Joseph hospital in the XIV arrondissement (Paris) whom I dropped off did not hesitate to say thank you for being there for them. This kind of moment gives me even more the will and the courage to work. I take the example of the devotion of the caregivers. For me, mutual aid goes beyond constraint. Uber service and others must continue despite the challenges we may face as we are important in this time of crisis. My personal values are those of generosity and mutual aid. For example, I am engaged with my neighbors to help them with their shopping. With Uber, I can continue my commitment in my professional life by helping Ehpad staff to get around. It’s a real pride for me.
What health safety guidelines have Uber implemented?
Samia : Uber gave us wipes to disinfect the interior of the car. And I regularly receive precautionary instructions. We have security reminders, which I think are necessary. I know that if I see a client get into my car with symptoms, I can refuse it, I am within my rights. As a driver, I feel protected by the group.
Does your family agree with you about working?
Samia : In all honesty, my loved ones, especially my mother, are afraid for me. They say I take risks. I can understand their attitude towards me. I made choices. You see, I have an eight month old baby that I preferred to leave with my sister for added security. There is also a real mutual help in my family. Since the start of confinement, I have not seen anyone, I have been alone in an apartment. I don't want to be a danger to those I love. My personal life is on hold until the end of this period. The phone has become a reinforcement to my loneliness.
In the post-Covid-19 period, what are you going to take away from this crisis?
Samia : I think it’s a questioning for each of us. This very delicate situation we are going through is something new, because we have not experienced such times. Being far from others will allow you to bond. The important things will now come before everything else. I hope so. And the little pleasures of life that we tend not to reward will become so, for example, going to a restaurant. Today, many departments continue to work, like me. I transport employees from banks, cashiers … And so many others. These people are little in the spotlight, but they have merit. Thanks to them, we manage to survive and hold on.
Will the aid announced by the government help you?
Samia : This aid of 1500 euros is subject to various criteria. And many workers do not fill them. Personally, I am not in it because the State is based on the turnover of March of last year. We must compare this month 2019 with that of this year. And if the 2020 amount is lower than last year, help is acquired because you have a drop in activity. But some were unable to work last year so they are penalized. Why the state relies on it. Help must be for everyone.