Brad Avakian says companies like Uber and Lyft are misclassifying their drivers, who should be treated as employees.
BY JACOB PALMER | DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian says companies like Uber and Lyft are misclassifying their drivers, who should be treated as employees.
The statement is similar to one by the California Labor Commissioner. Portland Commissioner Steve Novick asked Avakian to look into the law.
Willamette Week reporter Aaron Mesh reported on the finding.
“I would expect Uber to think very carefully about how Oregon law speaks to its relationship with its drivers,” Avakian tells WW. “I would expect that they would provide their employees all the benefits and protections they’re entitled to under Oregon law.”
(SOURCE: Willamette Week)
An Uber spokesperson said the finding was made on incomplete evidence.
“The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries issued this opinion without apparently talking to any drivers and after a brief five minute phone call with Uber that came out of the blue,” says Uber spokeswoman Eva Behrend. “Unsurprisingly, it’s full of assertions that are plain wrong. It’s disappointing that a public body would have so little regard for the facts.”
(SOURCE: Willamette Week)
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