Seattle judge hears challenge to Uber, Lyft union law

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

World | Tue Jul 19, 2016 6:39pm EDT

Seattle judge hears challenge to Uber, Lyft union law

SEATTLE | BY TOM JAMES

A U.S. judge on Tuesday wrestled with whether a lawsuit could proceed against the city of Seattle over a local law which allows Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize.

The litigation is unfolding amid a national debate over what level of benefits are owed to workers in the so-called "gig economy."

Seattle last year became the first U.S. city to pass a law giving drivers for ride-hailing apps, as well as taxi and for-hire drivers, the right to collectively negotiate on pay and working conditions.

Both Uber and Lyft vigorously opposed the measure, arguing that existing federal labor law trumps local legislation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a federation of more than 3 million businesses, filed its lawsuit in March and asked a Seattle federal judge to suspend the ordinance.

At a hearing on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik questioned lawyers from both sides but did not rule from the bench.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-uber-labor-seattle-idUSKCN0ZZ2UY

[Agnosticsherbet]

1. Of course big corporations oppose unions.

Screw both corporations. Unionize America again.

[LisaM]

2. I really hope the judge rules in favor.

If I see one more Prius stop and take a U-turn over by the Pike Place Market, I'm going to scream.