SA Uber drivers move for employee rights in class action suit

Uber drivers in South Africa are gearing up for a courtroom battle as they seek recognition as employees - not merely independent contractors.

South African law firm, Mbuyisa Moleele will be steering this class action lawsuit with the help of London-based firm Leigh Day, which recently won a similar landmark case against Uber in the UK.

The team at Mbuyisa Moleele will be fighting for SA Uber drivers' right to be deemed "employees" under the Labour Relations and Basic Conditions of Employment Acts (LRA and BCEA), with all the employee benefits that are awarded as per this legislation.

It is estimated that in South Africa, between 12,000 to 20,000 drivers using the ride-hailing app will be covered by the lawsuit, which is an opt-out class action. This means a small number of representative plaintiffs are claiming on behalf of the wider class of Uber drivers.