Dutch Court Rules Uber Drivers Are Employees, Fines Co 50,000 Euros

A Dutch court determined that Uber drivers should be deemed employees and thus covered by local labor laws, Reuters reported on Monday (Sept. 13).

The Amsterdam District Court backed the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions, which had contended that Uber’s approximately 4,000 drivers in the city are taxi company employees and entitled to benefits in line with that industry, per the report.

Uber plans to appeal the decision, according to Reuters.

The court ruled Uber drivers are covered under the collective labor agreement for taxi transportation and are therefore eligible for back pay, according to Reuters. The court also called for Uber to pay a fine of 50,000 euros.

Offering benefits for so-called gig workers has become a hot topic for Uber as of late. Last month the ride-hail company had introduced a flexible benefits fund in Canada to help gig economy workers.

That measure calls for all gig industry stakeholders to share information on workers’ hours and income. The fund is aimed at offering cash benefits to gig workers that would be earmarked for retirement, life insurance, education, and dental or health benefits not covered by the universal healthcare system in Canada.

Insight on drivers’ hours and wages would be shared and paid into the fund proportionally. Drivers who meet a minimum threshold would receive the cash benefits.

Read more: Uber Canada Proposes Flexible Perks For Gig Workers

In addition to the cash benefits for Canadian drivers, Uber has begun offering other perks for its drivers.

Last month Uber announced a partnership with retail technology company GetUpside to offer fuel and convenience store promotions to Uber drivers and delivery people. The joint effort provides Uber drivers with cash back on gas purchases, as well as up to 22 percent cash back on in-store purchases by using the GetUpside app, according to PYMNTS.

See: Uber Wants To Help Drivers Save Through GetUpside