Hacker News Reader

Comment by pishpash | Hacker News Reader

They are most definitely independent contractors. In what way are they not?

For starters, there is no contract negotiation and they have no say in it. Everything is dictated by Uber as if they were the employer.

They're part-time employees with flexible/voluntary scheduling.

Spolier

Sure there is. You can choose to not enter based on existing terms. You can try to negotiate and be told no. That's how most open contracts work, including contract to hire firms in US Finance.

In many (if not all EU countries) in order to be considered contractors they have to show there is no single entity that provides the contracts/money.

That prevents companies from hiring their own employees as contractors and avoiding paying social tax or ensuring annual vacation, etc.

As stated earlier Uber have been banned already in some EU countries altogether unless they choose to register as taxi business and comply with the local (country/municipality) regulations.

Many of the drivers also work for Lyft or taxis. What's the single entity?

The claim is unsubstantiated: "...has 50,000 drivers across the country, most of whom work exclusively for Uber." [0] I very much doubt that drivers would be employed in a regular taxi company while taking Uber calls at the same time.

[0]: https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/3020839/uber-loses...

I don't think that's what defines contractors or whatnot.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com