Uber Says Commissioner's Decision that Drivers are Employees is Wrong

Uber said Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian's advisory opinion that its drivers are employees rather than independent contractors is wrong because it's based on an erroneous understanding of the relationship between the company and drivers. Avakian on Oct. 14 said in a non-binding opinion that Uber allows drivers to work for its benefit and has significant control over those drivers. Uber subjects prospective drivers to a screening process, dictates fares they charge and monitors their performance, Avakian said. And the drivers do not exercise management skills, are not hired...