California Uber driver case be treated as class actions

　　Beijing time on September 2, the morning news, United States a judge on Tuesday ruled that, in respect of labour relations disputes are employees or contractors, Uber-drivers can be brought as a class action. This decision will have a major impact on the whole economic.

　　3 drivers had brought suit in San Francisco Federal Court on Uber, saying they are Uber employees, gas and car maintenance costs should therefore be reimbursed. At present, drivers to pay for these costs.

　　United States District Court judge in San Francisco Zheng Yifang (Edward Chen) said in a ruling, the driver can be brought as a class action. Current controversial issues in addition to the driver's labor relations are employees or outside contractors, including the passenger to pay the driver tipped away by Uber and not directly available to the driver. Driver's lawyer needs to submit more evidence, launched a class action suit on reimbursement issues.

　　According to court documents, which are considered after a class-action lawsuit, the 2013 lawsuits covering more than 160,000 California Uber driver, plaintiffs could be better with Uber on settlement negotiations.

　　Uber believes that the lawsuit should not be considered as class-action lawsuits, as many drivers in specific situations are different. However, Zheng Yifang said, Uber's statement in the "inherent contradiction". On one hand, Uber deemed to have appropriate ways, each driver is classified as an independent contractor. But on the other hand, Uber think each driver is different. But in fact, Uber itself cannot make a decision.

　　Uber representatives from drivers and has yet to comment.

　　Uber this suit may change the sharing economy, trade and industry. Many economic company said contract models can bring more flexibility, and this is very important for the success of these companies.

　　If the final judgment of the Court, the driver is Uber employees, then Uber for drivers will be required to pay for social security funds, pensions and unemployment insurance, which will result in the company's costs increased significantly. O2O era private consultant service mode value

　　In June, the judgment of the California Labor Commissioner, Uber a driver should be regarded as regular employees rather than contractors. Uber has appealed this decision.

　　In this case, the Uber recruited hundreds of drivers on the company's statements of support. However, Zheng Yifang refuse to believe this evidence, because the driver's statement could result from their reply to Uber preset positions.

　　Zheng Yifang said Uber believes that many drivers tend to be independent contractors, rather than formal identity of the employee, this argument lacks Foundation.