Uber has lost its appeal against a ruling which classifies drivers as workers with minimum-wage
rights.
The US company claims it’s drivers are self-employed, & will launch a further appeal against the
Employment Appeal Tribunal decision. The case, which could have a major impact on labour rights,
could be taken to the supreme court next year.
When drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam won an employment tribunal case last year, they
argued they should be classified as workers. Uber having control over their working conditions was
considered a decisive factor.
Back at the tribunal, Uber challenged the ruling, warning it could deprive riders of a personal
flexibility, & that most of its drivers prefer their current employment status.
But the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), who backed the appeal, said drivers
can still enjoy the freedoms of self-employment, even if they have worker status.
The union said the decision showed companies from the gig economy – that which involves people
on flexible working patterns, irregular shifts & minimal employment rights – have chosen to deprive
workers of basic rights.
Uber has yet to decide whether to skip the court of appeal & go straight to the supreme court – it’s
possible to merge the case alongside the labour rights battles of CitySprint and Pimlico Plumbers, set
to be heard next year.
