Power to the drivers

The Uber court case decision sends a signal to other gig economy players that worker exploitation won't be tolerated.

You have to hand it to ride-hailing company Uber. Thanks to its smartphone app, ordering and paying for a taxi is no longer a frustrating experience.

But that convenience and impressive innovation have come at a huge cost that's hidden to the oblivious passenger just trying to get from A to B as safely and cheaply as possible.

It means that millions of Uber drivers around the world have been subjected to the company's cut-throat business model, which has left them to wear most of the costs of providing the service, including maintaining their car and filling it with gas but having no input over the fare they can charge.

This lack of autonomy of Uber drivers led the Employment Court last week to deem four of them to be employees, rather than the independent contractors the company treats them as. It's a landmark decision - which Uber is appealing - that opens up the prospect of drivers being granted rights such as the minimum wage, holiday pay, sick pay and KiwiSaver contributions.