New Zealand Uber drivers seek better wages and working conditions through first-ever collective bargaining agreement with the company.
Earlier this week, the national union First Union began collective bargaining with Uber. According to New Zealand Employment Law, parties are required to participate if they receive notice of the commencement of negotiations. A period of preparation for both sides follows before the parties reach the negotiating table.
The start of collective bargaining represents the first time Uber has had to work constructively with drivers to reach agreements on wages and terms since the ride-hailing company arrived in New Zealand in 2014.
More than 500 drivers have joined the union after the country’s employment court ruled last year that four Uber drivers were employees rather than contractors, according to First Union’s strategic project coordinator, Anita. Rosentreter said more drivers are joining every day. This landmark lawsuit covers minimum wages, guaranteed working hours, sick leave, holiday benefits, contributions to KiwiSaver (retirement pension), the right to contest unfair dismissal, the right to form a union and bargain collectively, and more. , recognized the rights and protections of these workers.
The ruling, which only affected four drivers in the class action lawsuit against Uber, set a precedent for defining employee status in the country based on how much control a company has over workers. rice field.
At the time, the court ruled that Uber’s incentive scheme, which rewards consistency and quality, and penalties for violations of Uber’s guidelines or lower quality levels represent a significant control.
Uber has appealed the decision, with a hearing scheduled for April.
Emma Foley said, “I was disappointed by the recent employment court ruling, especially in 2020 when the same court ruled that rideshare drivers using the Uber app are not employees, which will be heard in April. I have applied for permission to appeal.” In her statement, Uber New Zealand’s general manager said: “This ruling highlights the need for industry-wide minimum standards for on-demand work while maintaining the flexibility and autonomy drivers say is important to us.”
Foley said Uber will work with industry and government through a “contractor policy reform process.”
