Uber drivers gain class action status in lawsuit challenging company practices

Federal judge's ruling means sharing economy suit could cover more than 160,000 California drivers and increase plaintiffs' leverage

Uber drivers are entitled to class action status in litigation over whether they are independent contractors or employees, a US judge said on Tuesday, in a ruling in a case that could have wide implications for the sharing economy.

Three drivers sued Uber in a federal court in San Francisco, contending that they are employees and entitled to reimbursement for expenses, including gas and vehicle maintenance. The drivers currently pay those costs themselves.