Independent Contractor or Employee: I’m Uber Confused! Why California Should Create an Exception for Uber Drivers and the “On-Demand Economy”

Part I of this comment details California employment law, how it has been applied to Uber, and how Uber, along with other “On-Demand Economy” companies, are different than other companies. Part II presents the current legal issues in worker classification. Part II also proposes the exception that should apply to Uber drivers and discusses why Uber, and other “On-Demand Economy” companies, should be entitled to this exception, including the practical problems with an employment classification for Uber. Part III concludes that changing our worker-classification laws is a compromise that will benefit drivers, Uber, and reflect the changes in our society