Uuu-boy. Here We Go Again…!

Dispute Resolution - 2 minutes read

Uber have had the displeasure of another claim again them. Not to do with the ever growing drama on the gig-economy, and not even in the UK or the EU.

It’s all happening in New York City.

Uber are now having to defend a claim against disability rights groups and wheelchair users who are alleging that the company is violating human rights laws by failing to make enough of its vehicles accessible to disabled people.

Many of the claimants are stating that Uber is engaged in “pervasive and ongoing discrimination” and that is is “flagrantly violating that law”.

If you have been following our posts, you will note that this is just one in a series of suits Uber has faced for allegedly discriminating against people with disabilities. Amongst others, in 2014, Uber was in the spotlight when the National Federation of the Blind brought a claim alleging that some of Uber’s drivers refused to give rides to blind passengers with guide dogs. 

You may already be aware of the potential lawsuits from several women who allege that they were sexually assaulted by their Uber drivers, and a claim by another woman allegedly raped by her driver in India claiming that the company infringed on her privacy by accessing her medical files.

Comment

Aside from the obvious, (employers, get legal advice and review your staff policies and contracts!!) these cases, each with an air of vicariously liability right on Uber’s headquarters, the employer/employee stamp is making its mark. 

Such companies (Deliveroo, Hermes, etc.) will no doubt continue with their appeals. Time will tell what the final outcome is in this gig economy saga.

I suppose, if one were being really cynical, to Uber, this is all still great PR!