Uber Settles Misclassification Claims With 1,600 New Zealand Drivers

The Workers First Union and Uber have reached an agreement to settle employment claims for more than 1,600 drivers in New Zealand. The deal establishes a framework for Uber to provide individual, confidential financial offers to drivers to resolve claims on a full and final basis.

This settlement follows a November 2025 Supreme Court of New Zealand judgment that rejected an appeal by Uber and confirmed that four drivers had been misclassified. That ruling determined the drivers were denied essential employment rights, including holiday pay and the minimum wage.

Deputy Secretary Anita Rosentreter stated that the union views the payouts as the best possible outcome to avoid the uncertainty and cost of litigation. However, the union continues to oppose recent reforms to the Employment Relations Act 2000. These changes, introduced by Minister Brooke van Velden, limit the ability of drivers to challenge their employment status.