"Uber drivers file suit against ride-sharing company over wages, OT", 2 January, 2019

Dozens of Uber drivers in Massachusetts have filed a lawsuit against the ride-sharing giant, alleging the company skirts federal and state employment laws by labeling its drivers independent contractors rather than employees.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, states the company “regularly fails to pay” the required minimum wage, with some making less than $8 an hour. Plaintiffs say the ride-sharing company failed to pay drivers a minimum wage and proper overtime rates for drivers who work more than 40 hours a week, allegedly in violation of Massachusetts laws.

…[The] “improper” classification allows the company to evade federal and state employment obligations, Lenkner said.

“They are denied fundamental rights under federal and state laws, on minimum wage, overtime pay, and sick time,” Lenkner said.

...A spokeswoman for Uber declined to comment.