Uber Is Recruiting Boston Veterans to Become Drivers

Ride-sharing app Uber recruited in Boston last week as part of its 18-month plan, called UberMILITARY, to get 50,000 service members, veterans, and spouses nationwide to begin working as drivers.

Uber workers pitched the company to potential drivers at a veteran job fair at the Back Bay Event Center last Wednesday. The event was part of the Recovering Warrior Employment Conference, which works to find employment for wounded veterans.

The @Uber booth is pretty busy today. Great to see. #Boston Recovering Warrior Employment Conf. @hiringourheroes pic.twitter.com/Jic6xNnxEL

— Kim Morton (@superkimtendo) October 15, 2014

In addition, Uber sent an email to current drivers on Monday night asking them to inform Uber about their (or their spouse’s) military experience.

“With the launch of the UberMILITARY Initiative here in Boston, we are looking to bring on as many veteran partners as possible to the Uber system, and we want your help!’’ the email read.

The company also offered $250 to those who refer a veteran, service member, or military spouse, and an Uber spokesperson told Boston.com more incentives will come soon.

The decision to target military veterans as employees could help Uber blunt criticisms in its effort to win over local governments skeptical of the company. Last June, for example,Cambridge challenged Uber’s legality in court. Local taxi companies, too, have been vocal in their criticism of the fact that Uber does not have to deal with the same amount of regulation.