Lawsuit Filed in Boston Claims Car Service Uber Exploits Drivers

A Boston labor lawyer has sued the car service Uber, alleging that it exploits its drivers.

The suit filed on June 26 in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston by attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan says Uber Technologies Inc. misclassifies its drivers as independent contractors, making them pay for their own gas, insurance and other expnses, and to avoid paying them the same as employees with benefits.

The suit also says Uber violates state law regarding tips by keeping a portion of included gratuities instead of giving them entirely to the drivers.

The suit was filed on behalf of one Uber driver, but seeks class-action status.

An Uber spokesman said in a statement that “Uber will vigorously defend the rights of drivers to build their own small business, and riders to enjoy competition and choice.”

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