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The Biggest Legal Crisis Facing Uber Started with a Pile of Vomit
Article

The Biggest Legal Crisis Facing Uber Started with a Pile of Vomit

This is the inside story of a landmark legal battle that could fundamentally change not only Uber, but the entire gig economy

Wired UK, 2018

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Hot Topic
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Since its founding in 2009, Uber, the creator of the popular ride-hailing app, has battled a series of lawsuits challenging its business practices. The company enjoys gross annual revenues close to $50 billion, yet some Uber drivers report net earnings far below minimum wage, and until recently, none received benefits such as sick pay or insurance. Some of these drivers have cried foul, taking Uber to court over their employment status and rights. Wired UK editor James Temperton looks into a landmark case currently working its way through the English courts, whose outcome could transform the global gig economy. getAbstract recommends Temperton’s well-researched article to gig-economy workers and businesses as well as anyone interested in the ways technology is changing labor practices.

Take-Aways

  • Gig-economy drivers and couriers are suing Uber, Deliveroo and other platforms over employment status and rights.
  • These companies deny any employer-employee relationship and call their workers “suppliers” or “partners.”
  • But these companies also closely monitor and control when workers work, how they work and sometimes even what they wear.

About the Author

James Temperton is digital editor for Wired UK.