Uber and Guns

A Florida Appeals Court has ruled that Uber, and other ride-sharing drivers, are independent contractors and not employees. I regularly receive calls from on-demand drivers asking if they can legally carry a firearm in their vehicle despite the Uber policy prohibiting drivers who use their app from lawfully carrying weapons. Some employers play games with the classification of employees claiming that they are employees for some purposes and independent contractors when it suits them. Employers can’t have it both ways. In this case Uber argued that the drivers are independent contractors and the court agreed. This ruling strengthens the position of law abiding ride-sharing drivers that they can lawfully defend themselves by carrying a weapon in their vehicles. I anticipate Uber will maintain it’s policy and further litigation will ensue.

http://www.dailybusinessreview.com/id=1202778155882/Appeals-Court-Uber-Drivers-Are-Contractors-Not-Employees?et=editorial&bu=Daily%20Business%20Review&cn=20170201&src=EMC-Email&pt=Breaking%20News&slreturn=20170101115532