10
votes
The Fair Work Ombudsman has finalised its investigation into Uber and found its drivers to be independent contractors, not employees.
ABC news article: Uber drivers are not employees, Fair Work Ombudsman finds
Fair Work Ombudsman's media release: Uber Australia investigation finalised
I guess I would agree.
Drivers tend to have more than one app for receiving ride requests. This is the most obvious thing that makes them more on the side of being independent contractors.
Here in New Zealand, the two apps are Uber and Zoomy (locally owned). Not sure about any others since I haven't used a taxi service in a while.
Also in New Zealand are the couriers that are "independent contractors" but are required to buy and wear a uniform, brand their vehicles to match the company at their own expense and have specific route start times. I would think that they should be considered employees before the app-taxi drivers would be.