Uber appeals UK court case on drivers rights
AFP
AFP, LONDON: Uber appealed before a British employment tribunal yesterday against a ruling that would give its drivers official worker status, as the company also battles against a threatened ban in London.
The landmark case brought by two Uber drivers could have far-reaching implications for people employed in Britains gig economy, many of whom complain about precarious working conditions and low pay.
The US ride-hailing app may have to pay its drivers the national minimum wage of 7.50 (8.5 euros, $10) an hour if it loses the case. Uber drivers are currently paid for each ride and are considered self-employed which means they are not entitled to benefits including paid
holidays.
A ruling in the case is not expected for weeks.
The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) trade union is representing the drivers, and staged a demonstration in central London.
Yaseen Aslam, one of the claimants, said drivers face many struggles and carry all the risks.
James Farrar, the other claimant,
called Ubers business plan brutally exploitative.
He called on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to make workers rights a condition for renewing Ubers licence.
Transport authorities last week said they would not renew Ubers licence to operate in the capital, owing to concerns about public safety for passengers and the process of registration for drivers.
Uber, which has about 40,000 drivers and some 3.5 million customers in the British capital, has 21 days to lodge its appeal and can continue to operate until that process has concluded.
