Two Uber Drivers Granted Employment Status in New York

In an unprecedented ruling in New York, the state Department of Labor deemed two Uber drivers employees of the company.

1 minute read

October 15, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Uber Car

mikedotta / Shutterstock

"In what labor advocates are calling a landmark victory, two former drivers for Uber in New York have been determined to be employees of the company and therefore eligible for unemployment insurance benefits," according to an article by Matthew Flamm.

The ruling resolved a lawsuit by the New York Taxi Workers Alliance against the New York Department of Labor "to force the state agency to rule on the [unemployment] claims" filed by two drivers. The Department of Labor had previously taken no action on the claims.

As for the implications of the ruling, "advocates believe that the decisions open the door to a more widespread reclassification," which "could dramatically raise costs for the companies and reshape their competition with taxis."

Thursday, October 13, 2016 in Crain's New York Business

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

CLose-up on black and white 25 mph speed limit sign.

Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits

Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog California

Adult man talking to young woman across wooden garden fence with young girl standing next to him.

For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits

Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.

3 hours ago - NPR

View down San Francisco street with colorful residential buildings and high-rise downtown buildings in distance.

New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place

The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.

4 hours ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.