Uber negotiates with French social security agency Urssaf, which reportedly seeks billions in contributions over driver employment classification.
PARIS: Uber confirmed it is in discussions with French social security agency Urssaf regarding the employment status of its drivers.
“We are currently engaged in a collaborative, transparent, and open discussion with France’s social security body, URSSAF,” an Uber spokesperson said.
The talks follow a media report stating Urssaf concluded Uber should have classified 71,194 drivers as employees between 2019 and 2022.
According to the report by Revue21, the agency is seeking EUR 1.2 billion in social security contributions and a further EUR 512 million in penalties.
Urssaf declined to comment on individual cases or ongoing matters, citing confidentiality.
Uber’s spokesperson referenced recent French Supreme Court rulings that confirmed drivers are independent workers.
“Regarding the status of drivers, recent French Supreme Court rulings have confirmed they are independent workers and clarified the framework we operate in,” the spokesperson added.
That ruling last year rejected the existence of a relationship of subordination, upholding an earlier decision by the Paris Court of Appeal.
The company continues to face regulatory and legal scrutiny across Europe over its operating model.
In Germany, courts have restricted some app-based ride-hailing configurations unless they comply with passenger-transport rules.
Uber’s licensed services in Italy have faced long-running court challenges and opposition from taxi drivers.
Court disputes in France and the Netherlands continue to test how ride-hailing platforms operate and classify drivers.
While the French Supreme Court’s ruling was not retroactive, it is expected to influence pending or future rulings.
