Uber drivers seek to team up with Teamsters

OREANDA-NEWS. April 25, 2016. A day after Uber settled a pair of class action lawsuits over how it classifies drivers, the Teamsters said it plans to form an association for ride-share drivers in California.

The labor union said Friday it has received "overwhelming outreach" from Uber drivers seeking benefits, dispute resolution and a stronger voice on the job. Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, which mean the company is not responsible for all sorts of costs, including Social Security, health insurance and overtime.

"We welcome any Uber drivers seeking to improve their working conditions," said Rome Aloise, president of Teamsters Joint Council 7, in a statement. "By coming together, the Teamsters will help these drivers have a stronger voice and improve standards for rideshare drivers in California."

The Teamsters already formed an association for Uber drivers in Seattle under the App-Based Drivers Association, and has organized drivers at tech companies throughout Silicon Valley, including Facebook, Apple, Google and Yahoo.

Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.