New Zealand Supreme Court Rules Uber Drivers Should Be Classified as Employees

The Supreme Court of New Zealand has ruled that Uber drivers should be recognised as employees rather than independent contractors, marking a significant decision for the country’s gig economy workforce.
The case originated when four Uber drivers — Julian Ang, Mea’ole Keil, Nureddin Abdurahman and Praful “Bill” Rama — challenged their employment status. In October 2022, the Employment Court found that the drivers were not operating independent businesses but were instead working within Uber’s business model. The court noted that Uber controlled key aspects of the service, including pricing, marketing, and service standards.
Uber appealed the ruling, arguing that the drivers were contractors who simply used the company’s platform. However, the Supreme Court upheld the earlier decision, confirming that the drivers should be treated as employees under New Zealand employment laws.
The ruling was welcomed by the unions that supported the case, which had argued that the drivers were entitled to the same legal protections as other employees. With employee status, Uber drivers in New Zealand may now gain access to entitlements such as minimum wage, paid leave, guaranteed rest periods, parental leave, and protection against unfair dismissal. They may also seek compensation for past earnings they believe were below legal requirements.
The decision aligns New Zealand with other countries, including the United Kingdom, where courts have previously granted employee status to Uber drivers, enabling greater rights such as collective bargaining.
Uber has expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling.

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