AG HEALEY ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COURT DECISION DENYING UBER AND LYFT’S MOTION TO DISMISS

 AG HEALEY ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COURT DECISION DENYING UBER AND LYFT’S MOTION TO DISMISS

AG’s Office Filed Lawsuit to Ensure Drivers Have Access to Minimum Wage, Overtime, Earned Sick Time and other Benefits

BOSTON – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey today issued a statement in response to a decision from Suffolk Superior Court Judge Kenneth W. Salinger denying Uber and Lyft’s motion to dismiss the AG’s lawsuit seeking a court ruling that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees under Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws.

“Today’s court decision is a major victory in our ongoing fight to support and protect Uber and Lyft drivers from unfair and exploitative practices,” said AG Healey. “The court plainly rejected Uber and Lyft’s latest attempt to deprive their drivers of basic protections that help them earn a living wage, including minimum wage, overtime, and earned sick time. Under our laws, drivers in Massachusetts can have both flexibility and the rights and benefits of employment status. Our case continues as we seek a court order to force Uber and Lyft to comply with laws that are already on the books.”

In the complaint for declaratory judgment, filed in Suffolk Superior Court against Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. in July 2020, AG Healey seeks an order from the court that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees, not independent contractors as the companies have misclassified them. If Uber and Lyft drivers are designated as employees, it will allow drivers access to critical labor rights and benefits, such as minimum wage, overtime, and earned sick time. 

Today’s decision can be found here.