GMB, the union for Uber drivers, says the company has finally
done the right thing after losing four court battles.
Uber has announced that from tomorrow, all 70,000 drivers will be
paid holiday time, be automatically enrolled into a pension plan
and will earn at least the minimum wage.
Last month the Supreme Court ruled in GMB's favour - determining
that Uber drivers are not self-employed, but are workers entitled
to workers’ rights including holiday pay, a guaranteed minimum
wage and an entitlement to breaks. [1]
It was the fourth time Uber has lost in court over its treatment
of drivers.
In October 2016, the Central London Employment Tribunal ruled in
GMB's favour. [2]
Instead of accepting the judgement of the courts, Uber took their
case to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in 2017, which also
ruled against the ride-sharing company. [3]
Then in 2018, the Court of Appeal judgement became Uber's third
legal defeat on this issue. [4]
Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said:
“Uber had to be dragged kicking and screaming to do the right
thing, but finally they’ve agreed to follow the ruling of the
courts and treat their drivers as workers.
“It’s a shame it took GMB winning four court battles to make them
see sense, but we got there in the end and ultimately that’s a
big win for our members.
“GMB has consistently said we are willing to speak face to face
to Uber about its treatment of drivers - our door remains open.
“Other gig economy companies should take note - this is the end
of the road for bogus self employment.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
[1] https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/uber-workers-rights-historic-gmb-supreme-court-drivers-legal-battle
[2] https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/monumental-victory-employment-case-against-uber
[3] https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/victory-uber-workers-rights
[4] https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/third-court-ruling-uber-drivers-are-entitled-workers-rights
