Hi ____,
I appreciate you reaching out. Unfortunately, I can't consider working at Uber because I believe that the company behaves unethically and has produced a culture that is harmful to its employees, to the software engineering profession, and indeed to the public at large. Specifically:
- Numerous allegations of sexual harassment and mistreatment of women employees
- Attempts to evade regulatory investigation and oversight via greyballing
- Running an unpermitted self-driving car program in San Francisco in which vehicles ran red lights, lurched into intersections, and made illegal right turns, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers at risk, and then misleading the public about whether the incidents occurred while the vehicle was under autonomous control
- Reports from former forensic investigator that lack of internal controls allowed employees to track high profile politicians, celebrities, personal acquaintances, and ex-partners
- The participation of Travis Kalanick in Trump's business advisory council, which was discontinued only after extensive public and employee outcry
- The exploitation of drivers, including low wages, status as independent contractors, and lack of health benefits, reimbursement for fuel and vehicle maintenance, collective bargaining, or minimum wage
- Multiple class action lawsuits against the company for labor violations
Any one of these issues would make me unlikely to apply for or accept a job at Uber. Together, they suggest that the company culture is deeply flawed and that the cultural and ethical failures stem from the highest levels of leadership. Given that the board has now united in support of Kalanick, I have no confidence that these issues will be satisfactorily addressed, and so must decline any recruitment offers.
Lastly, let me say I know you've got a tough job -- the company's reputation must make finding qualified candidates significantly more difficult. If it helps change minds or actions, please feel free to share my response within the company.
Best, John