Uber Loses Battle Over Drivers’ Rights in the Netherlands

  • Company ordered to pay 50,000 euros in compensation to union
  • Uber says it’s disappointed with the decision, will appeal
Photographer: Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg
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Uber Technologies Inc. lost another suit over its drivers’ working rights after an Amsterdam court ruled workers who ferry passengers using the Uber app in the Netherlands are covered by a local collective labor law.

The legal relationship between Uber and its drivers meets all of the characteristics of an employment contract, the court said in its judgement. Uber must apply the Collective Labor Agreement for Taxi Transport to protect drivers, allowing them in some cases to claim overdue salary. Uber was also ordered to pay the local labor union, FNV, 50,000 euros ($59,000) in compensation for failing to comply with the agreement.