Court sides with Uber drivers to expand case over pay

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By SUDHIN THANAWALA

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge granted class-action status Tuesday to a case in California against Uber over the payment of its drivers.

The ruling increases the number of potential California plaintiffs in the lawsuit claiming Uber drivers are incorrectly classified as independent contractors when they are actually employees.

U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen in San Francisco made his decision in the lawsuit filed by four current or former drivers for the ride-hailing company.

It raises the stakes for Uber, which could be on the hook for significantly more damages if it loses the case.

FULL story at link.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c6132a0d76244dd3b89ec959cdbe41fc/court-sides-uber-drivers-expand-case-over-pay

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Many DUers have been critical of those that think Uber isn't a great cheap ride. Seems they might be employees after all.

[Starry Messenger]

1. Yep.

My husband helped gain a union for Oakland cabbies back in the day under the similar circumstances.

[mike_c]

2. if the company dictates the terms and conditions of work...

...they're employees.

[Gormy Cuss]

3. Yes, that's the basic test.

I've been a true independent contractor. The term is abused by cheap-ass companies and institutions to mean "people we can screw out of benefits."

[Travis_0004]

4. I think uber should be able to make a good case

At least on a federal level I think uber can justify the classification.

I won't pretend to know anything about state law.