“Brazil judge rules Uber drivers are employees, deserve benefits”, 14 February 2017

A Brazilian judge ruled that a driver using the Uber ride-hailing app is an employee of the San Francisco-based company and is entitled to workers' benefits, adding to the global debate over labor rights for drivers on the platform. Uber said...it would appeal the decision by Judge Marcio Toledo Gonçalves, who issued the ruling...[on 13 February]...Gonçalves ordered Uber to pay one driver around 30,000 reais ($10,000) in compensation for overtime, night shifts, holidays and expenses such as gasoline, water and candy for passengers. The consequences for Uber...could be far greater if more drivers follow suit and if state and federal regulators and tax agencies start treating it...as a transportation company rather than a tech firm. Similar cases in the United States, Britain, Switzerland, and Europe's highest court have threatened to increase Uber's costs and subject it to stricter regulation...