London (CNN Business) Uber has recognized a labor union for the first time in a move that could boost efforts by gig economy workers to win better employment rights. "This groundbreaking deal between GMB and Uber could be the first step to a fairer working life for millions of people," said GMB's national officer Mick Rix. Uber UBER is the only major private taxi operator to offer these protections, according to GMB, which could give it an advantage over other app-based services such as Bolt and Ola by making it a more attractive employer. British union Unite represents London's Black Cab drivers. "Whilst Uber and GMB may not seem like obvious allies, we've always agreed that drivers must come first, and today we have struck this important deal to improve workers' protections," said Jamie Heywood, Uber's regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe.

Source: CNN May 27, 2021 12:45 UTC