Around 40,000 Uber drivers in the United Kingdom have secured fundamental workers’ rights, and employers can no longer treat them as ‘self-employed’, reports the BBC. Independent contractor or employee? The dispute between Uber and drivers in the UK has begun.
The ruling from the London court means that drivers are entitled to paid annual leave, paid rest breaks, and payment of the national minimum wage. The GMB union has called the decision a “monumental victory” for Uber drivers in England and Wales.
– This is a monumental victory that will have a significant positive impact on Uber drivers and on thousands of others in different industries that are rife with false self-employment, said GMB director Maria Ludkin.
Independent contractor or employee? The dispute between drivers and Uber continues in America.
A similar viewpoint was expressed by Nigel Mackay from the law firm Leigh Day, which represents the interests of two drivers in the dispute.
– This ruling acknowledges the contribution of Uber drivers to the company’s success and confirms that they are not self-employed but work for Uber as part of the company’s business. This is a landmark decision. It will not only affect thousands of Uber drivers but also all workers in the so-called ‘gig economy’ (gig; Engl. temporary job with uncertain future) who employers misclassify as self-employed to deny them their rightful rights.
Uber is expected to continue the dispute and attempt to challenge today’s ruling.
