On Tuesday, the NLRB released a memo regarding the classification of Uber drivers’ labor. The NLRB has decided that Uber drivers should be classified as independent contractors, rather than employees. This means that Uber drivers are not entitled to benefits or employee protections. As a result of drivers being classified as independent contractors, Uber does not have to award workers access to healthcare, pensions, or other benefits which would cost the company a lot of money.
See "Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees, says National Labor Relations Board", Megan Cerullo, CBS News, May 15, 2019