Uber seeks court reprieve after California shutdown threat

  • Ride-hailing firm Uber is trying to buy time after a San Francisco judge issued an order that requires it to convert drivers into employees.
File photo
File photo

Uber Technologies Inc. joined Lyft Inc. in asking an appeals court for an extended reprieve on converting California drivers to employees after both companies warned that a rapid overhaul of their business models may force them to suspend operations in their home state.

The ride-hailing firms are trying to buy time after a San Francisco judge issued an Aug. 10 order that upends their business model and may require them to provide hundreds of thousands of drivers with benefits including health insurance and overtime that could cost billions of dollars.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Ola Electric Gig (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3 kWh Range Icon112 km
₹ 39,999 - 49,999
Compare
View Offers
Avon E Scoot (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon1.15 kWh Range Icon65 km
₹45,000
Compare
Velev Motors Vev 01 (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon80 km
₹32,500
Compare
Komaki Xgt Km (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon150 km
₹42,500
Compare
Compare
Amo Mobility Inspirer (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon2.16 kWh Range Icon100 km
₹ 47,149 - 86,626
Compare
View Offers

The trial judge who issued the injunction against Uber and Lyft refused Aug. 13 to keep the order on hold beyond Aug. 20 while the companies challenge it. The appeals process could take years in a case that threatens the contractor-based model used across the gig industry.

The companies are campaigning for a ballot measure set for a statewide vote in November that would exempt app-based transportation and delivery companies from the law known as Assembly Bill 5.

Also Read : Uber CEO says drivers value freedom not afforded to baristas)

Uber filed its request to the state appeals court Saturday, saying there is a “looming crisis" if the court doesn’t put an extended hold on the Aug. 10 order.

“The consequences to drivers and the public from the impending shutdown will be catastrophic," Uber said in the filing. “Hundreds of thousands of drivers -- the vast majority of whom do not want to be ‘employees’ -- will see their earning opportunities on the rides app disappear."

First Published Date: 18 Aug 2020, 12:14 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.