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# California Labor Commissioner Rules Uber Driver 'Employee'

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<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/yC50B4DV.m3u8" -->
## Video: California Labor Commissioner Rules Uber Driver 'Employee'

[Watch (HLS stream): California Labor Commissioner Rules Uber Driver 'Employee'](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/yC50B4DV.m3u8) (2:14)

![California Labor Commissioner Rules Uber Driver 'Employee'](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/yC50B4DV/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2015-06-23. Uber drivers in California could soon be receiving wages and benefits due to a ruling by the California Labor Commissioner._


---

Jul 27, 2023 6:27 PM UTC

---

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---


## Transcript

For the million plus Uber drivers out there, or at least those of you operating in California, you might soon be able to call yourselves employees of Uber. It's exactly what Uber execs have feared and fought against since the company's launch in 2009. The California Labor Commission ruled Tuesday morning that at least one driver, or independent contractor in Uber's words, Is actually an employee of the company. Fortune reports the commission's ruling rejected Uber's appeal over a former San Francisco driver who asked for more than $ 4000 to cover expenses during her time working for the company For the company that currently employees only about 1, 000 people in it's San Francisco corporate office, the change could be catastrophic if it's extended to other Uber drivers.

Business insider predicts that if the ruling stands, Uber will dramatically downsize and begin providing benefits and wages for each driver. Drivers like Regina who need to make a living. I was in real estate for twenty- two and a half years and looked around and didn't know what I was gonna do after that. And Uber came up and I didn't think I would be able to drive that much, but I just drive all day. Controversy isn't new for Uber. There are partial and full bans of the ride hailing service across the globe. Global posts highlights the string of public relations disasters the company has experienced.

Due to everything from sexual assault charges where local officials didn't want the service. The employee versus contractor controversy isn't new either. According to siliconbeat the Florida department of economic opportunity already ruled in favor of a disgruntled former Uber driver Who is denied after filing to receive unemployment benefits from the company. It's about that likely wont go away soon. The lawyer taking a stab at the [ UNKNOWN ] giant and multiple court cases is a season veteran in the war against on demand services. Regarding her stance on the matter Shannon Liss- Riordan told Business Insider " I just don't know how Uber can argue with a straight face that as a $ 40 billion company it can't afford to insure its drivers, pay minimum wage or pay overtime Or be reimbursed for their expenses.

This is not going to put Uber out of business. Uber responded to the ruling by claiming it only applies to one driver, though legal analysts say it will likely be cited in law suits brought by other drivers.

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