Uber has moved to appeal the failure of the London transport authorities to renew its operation license in the city.
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Uber appealed before a British employment tribunal on Wednesday against a ruling that would give its drivers official worker status, as the company also battles against a threatened ban in London.
The landmark case brought by two Uber drivers could have far-reaching implications for people employed in Britain’s “gig economy”, many of whom complain about precarious working conditions and low pay.
The US ride-hailing app may have to pay its drivers the national minimum wage of £7.50 (8.5 euros, $10) an hour if it loses the case.
Uber drivers are currently paid for each ride and are considered self-employed which means they are not entitled to benefits including paid holidays.
A ruling in the case is not expected for weeks. The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) trade union is representing the drivers, and staged a demonstration in central London.
Yaseen Aslam, one of the claimants, said drivers “face many struggles” and “carry all the risks”.
James Farrar, the other claimant, called Uber’s business plan “brutally exploitative”.
He called on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to make workers’ rights a condition for renewing Uber’s licence.
Transport authorities last week said they would not renew Uber’s licence to operate in the capital, owing to concerns about public safety for passengers and the process of registration for drivers.