The New Zealand government is facing criticism from unions and political figures for allegedly aligning its contractor policy with recommendations from Uber, raising concerns that workers’ rights may be sidelined. Both the Green Party and the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) have accused the government of adopting Uber’s proposals almost verbatim in its recently announced contractor criteria.
Documents seen by RNZ show that Uber shared its suggested amendments to the Employment Relations Act with Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden in May. Critics argue that the policy’s details closely resemble these recommendations, allowing companies to classify workers as contractors under conditions that could make it harder for them to access employment rights. “What they’ve done essentially is just cut and pasted what they’ve wanted,” said Green Party spokesperson Teanau Tuiono, calling it “incredibly problematic.”
FIRST Union, which represents over a thousand Uber drivers in ongoing wage arrears claims, has also voiced concern. The union has pursued back pay claims for drivers whose employment status remains in legal limbo as Uber continues to appeal in the Supreme Court. “All union fees go towards our organising work… including the cost of the ongoing litigation against Uber,” FIRST Union stated in a recent FAQ to members. Union organizers warn that Uber’s influence in shaping contractor laws could undermine drivers’ claims for back pay and access to standard employment rights.
Minister van Velden refuted allegations of favoritism, asserting that a range of stakeholders, including seven unions, participated in consultations. “There’s no preferential treatment here at all,” she said, describing the final policy as an “amalgamation” of diverse input. However, CTU President Richard Wagstaff contended that the policy “looks pretty clear that [the minister] does what Uber wants first and foremost.” He added, “We’ve tried to meet with her on many occasions around this issue.”
FIRST Union further advised its members that government contractor reforms, proposed by van Velden, are unlikely to be implemented before late 2025, but any new laws could affect future driver claims.
