Uber: US labor board calls drivers contractors in blow to labor rights

Ruling will make it more difficult for workers to organize, secure minimum wages and other protections, labor advocates say

Uber drivers are not subject to traditional labor protections because they are independent contractors, the National Labor Relations Board said in an opinion published on Thursday.

The board's opinion, which appears to be the first federal comment on the issue of Uber drivers' employee status, will make it more difficult for workers to organize in unions and secure minimum wages and other protections, labor advocates say.