Uber SA case has global ramifications

If Uber seeks a court review of the Commission for Conciliation and Arbitration’s (CCMA) ruling it will be a “drawn out process”, a lobby group of Uber drivers, called The Movement, says.

The Movement's Teresa Munchick said if the court upholds the CCMA ruling that they are employees, all Uber driver and partner drivers should be classified as such.

“Uber drivers around the world are termed ‘independent contractors’ (who by definition have no protection under labour law).

“Drivers and partner/drivers have fought for employee status which would give them certain rights including: minimum wage, the right to collective bargaining as well as the right to challenge unfair dismissals (unfair deactivation) and unfair labour practices,” she said.

“South Africa now joins other foreign territories that have ruled Uber drivers are not independent contractors, so this is a very important case.”

Yesterday, Uber drivers and passengers in Johannesburg were intimidated by meter taxi drivers who don’t want to share routes with the online taxi service.