California won a minor ruling against Uber Technologies Inc. that stands to open up a bigger front in the fight by drivers for better benefits — especially for those who make airport runs and cross state lines. A state judge suggested that such drivers may not be subject to the company’s arbitration requirement for employment disputes because they are involved in interstate commerce. Uber has relied on arbitration and settlements to defeat lawsuits by drivers seeking the benefits of employees. She said the work of Uber drivers is “inherently local,” and drew a skeptical response from Ulmer when she told the judge that California drivers, under their contract, are allowed to take passengers only into Nevada — and forbidden to do the opposite. “Uber cases of all stripes seem to proliferate,” the judge said, adding that it would be useful to get his ruling on whether drivers who go to the airport and across state lines are exempt from arbitration.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 27, 2019 01:18 UTC