An Oregon regulator ruled yesterday that Uber drivers should be classified as employees under state law, an announcement that could impact the company’s operations there, The Oregonian reports. But it could have ramifications for other start-ups with similar business models, like the ride-sharing firm Lyft and the grocery delivery service Instacart. Brad Avakian, commissioner of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, stated in an advisory the opinion that Uber drivers should count as employees under Oregon law because they benefit the company and are financially dependent on it, despite being able to use their own cars and choose when they want to work. “Drivers like this deserve a fair share of the profits made by Uber, not just minimum wage,” he said in a statement. The ruling could also have wider implications on various other lawsuits where Uber drivers are trying to be deemed as employees.
An Oregon regulator ruled yesterday that Uber drivers should be classified as employees under state law, an announcement that could impact the company’s operations there, The Oregonian reports. Brad Avakian, commissioner of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, stated in an advisory the opinion that Uber drivers should count as employees under Oregon law because they benefit the company and are financially dependent on it, despite being able to use their own cars and choose when they want to work. “Drivers like this deserve a fair share of the profits made by Uber, not just minimum wage,” he said in a statement. The ruling could also have wider implications on various other lawsuits where Uber drivers are trying to be deemed as employees.