Uber stops short of union with NYC drivers guild

OREANDA-NEWS. May 11, 2016. Uber drivers now have an organization in New York to represent their interests. Just don't call it a union.

The ride-hailing company announced an agreement today with a prominent union, according to the New York Times, establishing the Independent Drivers Guild.

The guild is the first organization of its kind to receive the official blessing of Uber, although a number of unsanctioned organizations exist already.

The move is seen as an attempt by Uber to stem concerns about its labor model, which treats drivers as independent contractors, with fewer rights than full union members. The Guild isn't a true union--its members will still be contractors--but members will receive representation from guild officials, and other benefits like insurance discounts.

On the other hand, members will not be able to negotiate over a contract that includes fares, benefits and protections. Those determinations will still be made by Uber alone.

Uber did not immediately reply to a request for comment, but an Uber adviser did tell the Times that the company is not seeking to replicate the guild area outside of New York, which has a large number of full-time Uber drivers.