Global rideshare company Uber has been given the green light to appeal last year’s Employment Court decision that its drivers are employees instead of contractors. But Uber drivers say they are now more determined to fight.
In a landmark decision in October 2022, a court ruled that four Wellington Uber drivers were employees of the rideshare company, not contractors.
The ruling was a victory for unions, who were pushing for drivers to have workplace rights as employees, including earning the minimum wage, access to sick leave and holiday pay. Now Uber has been granted leave to appeal that decision.
Lower Hutt Uber driver Steve Fairley said many drivers were working 12-14 hour days to make ends meet because of the uncertainty of pay. They were determined to keep fighting to get employee rights, he said.
In a statement, Uber New Zealand general manager Emma Foley said drivers wanted to keep their flexible working arrangements.
Credit: radionz.co.nz
