Uber really doesn’t want its drivers to be considered employees
Enlarge (credit: DANIEL SORABJI/AFP/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO-A three-judge panel at the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals appeared to lean in favor of Uber in a case that could have a profound impact on the future of employment and gig economy startups.
On Wednesday, the court heard a consolidated appeal of 11 pending cases that essentially boil down to the same issue: should drivers be considered employees? If so, can they sue as part of a class-action lawsuit? If Uber prevails, drivers will be considered contractors-and they won't, as is currently the case, receive numerous benefits.
When prospective drivers sign up with Uber, they agree to waive their right to sue in favor of arbitration, a private, quasi-legal process that generally favors corporations over individuals.
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