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Indiana Uber Driver Suing To Be Classified As Employee

By Becca Costello, IPB News | Published on in Business, Statewide News
The ride-hailing company has been plagued with recent controversies. — Photo: Jason Tester (Flickr)

An Indiana Uber driver is suing the company in federal court over the way it classifies the drivers it employs.

According to court documents, Hamilton County resident Clinton Price has been driving for Uber since 2014.

He says Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors. But Price argues drivers should be classified as employees instead, which would entitle them to minimum wage, reimbursement for expenses, overtime pay, and other benefits.

The complaint says Price worked more than 40 hours for Uber during several weeks, and ended up making well below the state’s minimum wage per hour. The lawsuit says Uber has violated the Fair Labor Standards Act and Indiana wage and hours laws.  Price is asking for damages for all Uber drivers.

Earlier this month, Uber filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.  Federal judge Sarah Evans Barker has yet to rule on that motion.

The company has been plagued with recent problems, including the resignation of president Jeff Jones and a video showing CEO Travis Kalanick in a dispute with a driver about fares. The company is also investigating claims of sexual harassment within the company.