Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) Secret “Project Luigi” A Way Of Bolstering Its Argument Against Gig-Worker Law

Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) drivers in California received a new feature last month that enables then see the destination of the passenger before accepting the trip. This implies that the drivers get to know how much they can make from a trip and reject those that are not worthwhile.

Uber drivers to see fare estimates before accepting rides

The ride-hailing company has been working on a secret project dubbed “Project Luigi” around the AB5 statute passed by California legislators last year. Thuan Pham, the company’s chief technology officer, put a call for volunteers on the project that involved the development of new app features. The project aimed at changing features of the Uber app for drivers in California. The changes included drivers being able to see estimated ride fares before a trip and then rejecting them without a penalty.

However, it turns out that the company was not trying to better things for drivers, but it was a way of making a case against the AB5 statute. The company plans to use the new feature against the gig worker law by making a case that its drivers are independent and free from the control of the company.

Uber seeking a way to challenge the AB5 statute

According to Bradley Tusk, who is a former political strategist for Uber, the company is trying to make a case that its drivers are operating independently. He added that without this, the company would not argue against the gig worker law’s worker classification. Tusk said that the company is worried about losing, and as a result, it’s devising a backup plan.

Uber recently went to court to challenge the new California law that requires gig workers to be classified as employees and not contractors. The company’s Spokesperson Noah Edwardsen holds that the company is making several changes to its Uber market place. Edwardsen affirms, the company has already classified drivers correctly, and the changes are meant to strengthen their independence.

Other gig economy companies such as Postmates, DoorDash, and Lyft (NASDAQ: LYFT) are also opposed to the law.

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