Hundreds of “precarious workers” have taken to the streets of London this morning as the Court of Appeal decides whether or not Uber drivers are entitled to paid holiday and the minimum wage.
Couriers, riders, outsourced cleaners, restaurant workers and others are taking part as the long-running case will have a profound impact on members of the so-called gig economy.
The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which is involved in the case, said it is expected to be the biggest “precarious workers” march ever held in the UK.
IWGB General Secretary, Jason Moyer-Lee, said: “Today’s action is the articulation of the legitimate rage of the precarious workers and the exploited workers of the UK.”
Moyer-Lee continued: “Uber have already lost two court battles. They’re fighting to not have to give minimum wage and paid holidays and pensions and other basic employment rights to the drivers who work for them.”
The protesters march to the Royal Courts of Justice, then go to the University of London, where outsourced workers, including cleaners, receptionists and security officers, will be on strike, before passing NHS contractor The Doctors Laboratory, where medical couriers say their pay has been cut.
A rally is also being held in Glasgow.
The long-running argument over the status of drivers at ride-hailing firm Uber will go before the Court of Appeal on Tuesday.
Uber took the case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal last year and lost.
The GMB, which is also involved in the case, said Uber drivers are estimated to be an average of £18,000 out of pocket two years after the ruling.
Sue Harris, the GMB’s legal director, said: “These figures lay bare the human cost of Uber continuing to refuse to accept the ruling of the courts.
“While the company are wasting money losing appeal after appeal, their drivers are up to £18,000 out of pocket for the last two years alone.”
Uber case co-claimant James Farrar said: “What is clear from the different kinds of workers supporting us in this demonstration is that unity among precarious workers has never been stronger and together we will defeat the dishonest bosses that are trying to do away with our most basic employment rights.”
An Uber spokesman said: “Almost all taxi and private hire drivers have been self-employed for decades, long before our app existed.
“A recent Oxford University study found that drivers make more than the London living wage and want to keep the freedom to choose if, when and where they drive.
“If drivers were classed as workers they would inevitably lose some of the freedom and flexibility that comes with being their own boss.”