Uber has agreed to pay nearly $272 million to compensate taxi and hire-car drivers who suffered financial losses due to the company’s aggressive expansion into the Australian market.
The settlement, which is the fifth-largest in Australia’s history, comes after a lengthy legal battle on behalf of over 8,000 drivers and car owners.
The drivers and car owners experienced a decline in income and license values as a result of Uber’s entry into the market, and the company attempted to avoid compensating them at every opportunity.
The settlement still needs formal approval from the supreme court before it can be finalized.
Lawyers argued that Uber X’s launch in Australia was intended to harm local taxi and hire-car drivers, and the company engaged in various deceptive practices.
Lead plaintiff Nick Andrianakis, a former taxi driver, hailed the settlement as a victory for the industry, which had been severely impacted by Uber’s actions.
In response, an Uber spokesman referred to the drivers’ complaints as “legacy issues” and emphasized the company’s contributions to the overall transport industry in Australia.
The spokesman also highlighted Uber’s compliance with regulations and its positive impact on consumer choice and worker earnings.
The proposed settlement signifies a resolution of these ”legacy issues,” allowing Uber to focus on its continued contributions to the transport sector.
2024-03-17 23:42:24
Source from www.theguardian.com