Press Statement

Press Statement  AG Healey Issues Statement in Response to Court Decision Denying Uber and Lyft’s Motion to Dismiss

AG’s Office Filed Lawsuit to Ensure Drivers Have Access to Minimum Wage, Overtime, Earned Sick Time and other Benefits
3/25/2021
  • Office of Attorney General Maura Healey
  • The Attorney General's Fair Labor Division

Media Contact   for AG Healey Issues Statement in Response to Court Decision Denying Uber and Lyft’s Motion to Dismiss

Emalie Gainey

BOSTON Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey today issued a statement in response to a decision from Suffolk Superior Court Judge Kenneth W. Salinger denying Uber and Lyft’s motion to dismiss the AG’s lawsuit seeking a court ruling that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees under Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws.

“Today’s court decision is a major victory in our ongoing fight to support and protect Uber and Lyft drivers from unfair and exploitative practices,” said AG Healey. “The court plainly rejected Uber and Lyft’s latest attempt to deprive their drivers of basic protections that help them earn a living wage, including minimum wage, overtime, and earned sick time. Under our laws, drivers in Massachusetts can have both flexibility and the rights and benefits of employment status. Our case continues as we seek a court order to force Uber and Lyft to comply with laws that are already on the books.”

In the complaint for declaratory judgment, filed in Suffolk Superior Court against Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. in July 2020, AG Healey seeks an order from the court that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees, not independent contractors as the companies have misclassified them. If Uber and Lyft drivers are designated as drivers, it will allow drivers access to critical labor rights and benefits, such as minimum wage, overtime, and earned sick time. 

Today’s decision can be found here.

Media Contact   for AG Healey Issues Statement in Response to Court Decision Denying Uber and Lyft’s Motion to Dismiss

  • Office of the Attorney General 

    Attorney General Maura Healey is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • The Attorney General's Fair Labor Division 

    The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division protects workers from exploitation and sets a level playing field for employers. We enforce wage and hour, public construction, and child labor laws.

    Due to the COVID-19 emergency, walk-ins to the AG’s physical office locations will not receive in-person service. Walk-ins will be encouraged to file complaints online or call our office.
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