An Uber lawsuit in California asserting that drivers are employees — not contractors — has been granted class-action status.
U.S. District Judge Edwin Chen ruled that any Uber X, Uber SUV or Uber Black drivers who have worked since August 16, 2009 can apply to be included in the lawsuit.
Chen said at issue was whether drivers’ “relationships with Uber are sufficiently similar” to allow for a sweeping judgement rather than a series of lawsuits.
Currently, all Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, which absolves the company from providing things like health care or overtime pay.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
In addition to those benefits, SF Gate reports that some drivers are asking that Uber reimburse them for mileage as well as provide unemployment benefits.
➤ Calif. Uber drivers get class-action status in employment suit [SF Gate]
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.