The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has filed legal action against Uber after delivery driver, Amita Gupta was allegedly sacked for reaching her destination 10 minutes late.

The Adelaide based Uber Eats driver will be suing parent company Uber for unfair dismissal. The Fair Work Commission said that Amita Gupta was an independent contractor, not an employee, which is why she isn’t entitled to claim unfair dismissal. Ms Gupta and TWU will be appealing that decision.

Speaking at the TWU headquarters on Monday, Ms Gupta’s husband, a former delivery driver for Uber spoke on behalf of his wife about the treatment Uber drivers receives.

“We are very fortunate living in Australia where people have good rights and good conditions to live (but) people are still treating workers as slaves,” Mr Gupta said.

“It is exploitation and I thought it would be good to take the matter to court for the other drivers.”

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine released a statement to the media at TWU headquarters addressing the poor treatment of Uber employees.

“This just highlights how low Uber can go in terms of abusing workers.” Mr Kaine said.

“These drivers have chosen to take a stand, demand their rights and take on Uber. We believe the Fair Work Commission’s decision to refuse their case for unfair sacking was wrong and we believe there are strong grounds to appeal it,” he said.

ABC News reported yesterday that Uber welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s decision.

Uber said delivery partners value the freedom and flexibility that the app provides.

Photo: Carril bici al Jardí del Túria 04 by Pacopac available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.