Uber drivers take on company in Massachusetts court over pay

BOSTON — Dozens of Uber drivers in Massachusetts have filed a lawsuit against the ride-sharing service after they say the company is short-changing them.

As of Tuesday, minimum wage in Massachusetts is $12/hour, but dozens of Uber drivers are alleging they are making less than $8/hour.

According to the Boston Herald, the lawsuit alleges Uber labels them as independent contractors, not employees and that means the company doesn't have to follow certain federal and state employment laws.

The lawsuit was filed this week by 79 drivers in Massachusetts. They say along with not getting minimum wage, Uber also fails to pay proper overtime rates for drivers who work more than 40 hours and don't provide sick time.

The attorney representing the drivers says Uber is violating Massachusetts laws.

Drivers argue they should be recognized as employees, despite Uber repeatedly saying they are owners of their own businesses.

This is the latest court battle between Uber and its drivers over the issue of employee versus independent contractor.

In September, a court in California ruled in favor of the company by barring hundreds of thousands of drivers from filing a lawsuit as a group to get better benefits and pay.

Uber hasn't commented on this latest lawsuit.

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