New Zealand’s Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that Uber drivers should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors, marking a major legal victory for gig economy workers. The unanimous decision dismissed Uber’s appeal against a 2022 Employment Court ruling involving four drivers represented by two unions. The court’s judgment could enable thousands of Uber drivers in New Zealand to claim full employment rights, including back pay and benefits such as minimum wage, paid leave, and the right to collective bargaining. The Workers First Union welcomed the ruling, saying it sets a precedent for fairer treatment of gig workers. Uber expressed disappointment, warning that the decision could have broad implications for contracting arrangements across the country. Despite the ruling, Uber said its operations in New Zealand would continue as usual for now. The case aligns New Zealand with similar legal developments in countries like the United Kingdom, where courts have also recognized Uber drivers as employees.