In recent years, an intensive debate has taken place between Uber and the trade union FNV regarding the employment status and working conditions of Uber drivers. At the heart of this discussion is the question of whether these drivers should be classified as self-employed individuals or as employees. As well as the associated employment conditions that come with each status.
Recent actions by drivers
In February 2025, Uber drivers in Rotterdam expressed their dissatisfaction with low fares and poor working conditions by organizing a strike. Instead of accepting rides, they participated in an indoor football tournament called the ‘Living Income Cup‘. During this event, which took place on a Sunday afternoon, the estimated sixty to seventy participating drivers refused to accept any rides. Through this action, they sought to draw attention to the low fares and the ‘Trip Radar’ function in the Uber app. They claim the function creates dangerous situations by forcing drivers to accept rides quickly while driving to avoid missing them.
Earlier, in July 2024, Rotterdam taxi drivers also protested during an Uber event at Feijenoord Stadium. Their concerns centred on the Trip Rader function, deteriorating working conditions. As well as the lack of dialogue with Uber on key issues such fair wages, communication and road safety.
Background of the conflict
The debate has been ongoing for several years. In December 2020, FNV took Uber to court, arguing that the company engages in bogus self-employment. The union claimed that Uber effectively operates as an employer by controlling which drivers and vehicles are allowed on the platform, setting fares and monitoring driver performance. According to FNV, this setup denies that drivers essential employment rights, such as a fixed salary and protection against dismissal.
Court rulings and consequences
In September 2021, the court in Amsterdam ruled that Uber must classify its drivers as employees and that they are entitled to the benefits outlined in the Taxi Transport collective labour agreement. The judge determined that the relationship between Uber and its drivers meets all the criteria of an employment contract, including a relationship of authority enforced through Uber’s algorithm.
Uber announced its intention to appeal the ruling, arguing that most drivers value the flexibility of working independently.
European developments
At European level, the position of platform workers has also gained attention. In December 2022, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs in the European Parliament took a stance against bogus self-employment in platform companies. This position emphasizes that platform companies should not wrongly classify their workers as self-employed and that genuine self-employed people should not be treated as employees. An important aspect here is the reversal of the burden of proof: platform companies must demonstrate that there is no employment contract.
Conclusion
The ongoing dialogue between Uber and FNV regarding the position of drivers has led to significant legal rulings and increased awareness of platform workers’ rights. Recent driver protests, such as the ‘Living Income Cup’ in Rotterdam, highlight the persistent dissatisfaction with low fares and working conditions. While legal progress has been made towards recognition of drivers as employees, enforcement remains a challenge, and further action is needed to bring about tangible change.
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