Under a new ruling by an official at the California Labor Commission, Uber drivers are employees entitled to workers' compensation. Uber, which will appeal, continues to say its drivers are independent contractors, allowing it to avoid certain business expenses that traditional taxi companies face. This decision stemmed from an Uber driver's claim for costs inflicted to her personal car while driving customers. She is now due over $4,000 in reimbursement.
Uber said in a statement that the ruling, even if upheld on appeal, only pertains to one case. But the ruling could spur more claims by current and former Uber drivers in California — and perhaps beyond.
