In a win for Uber and other companies heavily reliant on independent contractors (including direct sellers), the US District Court in Pennsylvania ruled that Uber drivers are not employees but rather independent contractors. Factors in favor of independent status included that drivers worked as much or as little as they desired, were free to pursue other opportunities and personal activities while connected to the Uber app, and the work did not require a special skill. The court concluded that the “plaintiffs have not brought to the record sufficient proof to meet their burden of showing that they are employees.”
