And since that this paper is not really 'for' politicians but intended more for workers, 'radical' as a shorthand description felt ok in context given many people will not have heard ideas like these before. But really appreciate the points and def get where you're coming from!

Thanks, this is good feedback and totally agree that this is not 'radical' in the global sense; it's normal to the point of boring in many EU countries. But against the backdrop of this Govt's approach to employment rights, we felt it was going to be challenging for some readers.

9/9 Can I join the union and claim for wage arrears and lost entitlements?

Yes. Uber drivers please visit: workersfirst.nz/uber

#nzpol #uber #ubereats #uberdriver #uberdrivers

8/9 - The sky is falling and the gig economy is over!!

No. Chill out, Business NZ* #nzpol

*https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/579161/uber-drivers-supreme-court-decision-could-collapse-gig-economy-business-groups-say

7/9 - Will Uber leave Aotearoa?

Unlikely. Many countries around the world (such as the UK) reached the same verdict, and Uber still operates and profits there. #nzpol

6/9 A big bill for Uber?

Yes. They will survive. Uber's international profits are expected to crack NZ$330 bil in 2025. They paid $1.2 mil in tax in NZ in 2023 and we estimate that their NZ revenue came to ~$867 million that year...* #nzpol

*https://cictar.org/all-research/uber/nz

5/9 The union wants Uber drivers to work 9-5 and wear uniforms...

No. Whoever said this is lying to you. #nzpol

4/9 Does this only apply to four drivers?

Not necessarily. The Courts ruled four drivers as employees, but all Uber drivers do the same work in the same way. On that basis, Workers First is taking claims for thousands. This process involves the Authority declaring them employees of Uber. #nzpol

3/9 Is this the end of flexibility for workers?

No. Nothing stops Uber from operating in a way that offers drivers flexibility. Under the current situation, the ‘flexibility’ that Uber celebrates is often illusory and doesn't include prices, advertising services or building relationships. #nzpol

2/9 Is this the end of contracting in Aotearoa?

No. This is about the misclassification of employees. It does not end contracting arrangements. It does not mean all contractors become employees. It does not even mean that Uber can't have contracting arrangements in their business. #nzpol

This victory indicates that Uber drivers ARE entitled to employee protections such as minimum wage, sick leave and holiday pay, etc 🎉 -s

But... the ACT party and Brooke van Valden KNEW this case was likely to lose, and has had closed-door meetings with Uber.

ACT's Employment Relations Act (ERA) Bill is a Trumpian-dictator move that aims to conveniently nullify the Aotearoa legal system decision.

The ERA Bill must be killed, now.

We will now:

- Pursue the 1,000s of claims of owed backpay that have already been lodged

- Pursue worker entitlements like annual leave and holiday pay for Uber drivers

- Pursue a collective agreement, allowing Uber drivers to formally join a union.

3/3 We expect more. We demand more. Workers deserve better than Brooke Van Velden changing our laws to benefit multi-billion dollar predatory US employers, who pay a pittance in tax.

Ask your friends and family to watch this report, especially if they support this Govt. This is coming.

2/3 Uber is tip of the spear. If we don’t properly regulate gig work NOW, job precarity and low pay could be the norm in the near future. Whether you're an office worker, a nurse, a teacher or a lawyer, this WILL affect you.

And this Government has decided that their job is to protect Uber.