David Harris, a lawyer specialising in labour rights based in Toronto, shares some updates about the rapidly developing conflict between Uber and the municipalities which are overseeing their evolving labour relations policies.

1. David Harris Toronto
THE BATTLE OF
MODERN LABOUR, TECH INNOVATION &
UBER
How the transportation
industry is transforming
& why it matters.

2. David Harris Toronto
EMPLOYEES, NOT CONTRACTORS
The California Labour Commissioner has ruled that individuals
who work as a driver for the ride-hailing business are
employees and not simply contractors.

3. David Harris Toronto
TECHNOLOGY VS. TRANSPORTATION
This development may well impact Uber Canada’s argument
that it’s a technology company, not a cab company. As a taxi
company, they would be subject to stringent industry
standards.

4. Insurance is a major issue of contention for Uber. If the
company doesn’t cover the cost, the burden would be on
drivers to meet the requirements of various municipal by-laws
and endorsements to carry passengers.
WHO SHOULDERS THE BURDEN?

5. David Harris Toronto
If an Uber driver is involved in an accident, there could be a
huge liability to the individual driver if a private insurance
carrier were to claim that the driver lied by not informing
them that they were operating a vehicle for hire.
LIABILITY ISSUES

6. David Harris Toronto
If an Uber driver is involved in an accident, there could be a
huge liability to the individual driver if a private insurance
carrier were to claim that the driver lied by not informing
them that they were operating a vehicle for hire.
LIABILITY ISSUES

7. Canadian Uber drivers could assert themselves as employees
in the wake of the California ruling. This could mean
employment insurance, health coverage, benefits rights and
severance rights on termination - but, there is no guarantee.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

8. As technology continues to revolutionize daily life, workers
may well find they need to revisit and rework outdated and
insufficient forms of protection to keep from being exploited
and/or made obsolete.
A NEW DAY