The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed Uber’s latest appeal, reaffirming earlier rulings that four New Zealand drivers were effectively employees rather than contractors.
The court found that riders contract with Uber—not individual drivers—highlighting the company’s control over fares, transactions, and dispute resolution.
Worker advocates celebrated the decision and urged Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden to drop her proposed bill restricting contractors from challenging their employment status.
Uber said it was disappointed by the decision, warning of broader implications, but said the ruling applies only to the four drivers and operations will continue as normal.
Image credit: Austin Distel
