By San José, Costa Rica — Following a recent court victory awarding a former Uber driver ₡10 million in compensation, several other deactivated drivers are now considering taking similar legal action against the ride-hailing giant. The landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal confirmed the existence of an employer-employee relationship between Uber and its drivers, setting a significant precedent for future cases.
Jeffrey Valverde, who drove for Uber between 2015 and 2022, described his sudden deactivation without explanation. He woke up one morning to find his account blocked, with no communication from the company. His attempts to get information from Uber’s office at Eco Bambú were unsuccessful.
To provide further legal context on this developing Uber lawsuit, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
This lawsuit against Uber highlights the ongoing tension between innovative transportation models and existing regulatory frameworks. The outcome could significantly impact not only Uber’s operations in Costa Rica, but also the future of the gig economy and how worker classifications are defined within the country’s legal landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal battle transcends the immediate concerns of Uber and delves into the broader questions surrounding worker rights and the evolving nature of employment in the digital age. The implications for the burgeoning gig economy in Costa Rica are substantial, and the court’s decision will undoubtedly set a precedent for years to come. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable expertise on this complex and crucial matter.
I woke up to connect and they blocked me. Through the app, they didn’t inform me about anything. I went to Eco Bambú (Uber’s office) and they told me they couldn’t give me details about why they had blocked me.
Jeffrey Valverde, Former Uber Driver
Valverde, who relied on Uber for supplemental income, subsequently turned to other ride-hailing platforms like Didi and InDriver. He expressed his frustration with Uber’s lack of transparency and his intention to pursue legal action if his attempts at reinstatement fail.
Another driver, Geovanny Villalobos, shared a similar experience. He drove for Uber from 2017 to 2024 until his account was deactivated after receiving a message regarding his trip acceptance rate. Like Valverde, he received no prior warning or clear explanation for the deactivation.
One day I was going to connect and when I looked, it said that my account was deactivated.
Geovanny Villalobos, Former Uber Driver
Villalobos, who worked full-time for Uber, has since joined Didi. Inspired by the recent court ruling, he is also contemplating a lawsuit against Uber.
In response to inquiries, Uber stated that drivers agree to terms and conditions, and violations can result in partial or total account deactivation. These violations include physical contact, threatening behavior, discrimination, and breaking the law. The company claims it reviews all deactivation cases before making a decision. Uber also assures drivers that it provides notifications for issues like unsafe driving, and offers a review center where deactivated drivers can obtain details about the reason for their deactivation and request a review.
This recent court decision and the subsequent interest in legal action by other deactivated drivers highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the classification of gig economy workers. The ruling sets a powerful precedent for drivers seeking recognition as employees and demanding the associated rights and protections.
The potential wave of lawsuits could have a significant impact on Uber’s operations in Costa Rica and may force a reassessment of its relationship with drivers. The outcome of these cases will be closely watched by other gig economy companies and labor advocates alike.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber:
Uber Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Uber, is an American mobility as a service provider offering services including ride-hailing, food delivery (Uber Eats and Postmates), package delivery, couriers, freight transportation, and, through a partnership with Lime, electric bicycle and motorized scooter rental. The company is based in San Francisco and operates in over 900 metropolitan areas worldwide. Its platforms can be accessed via its websites and mobile apps.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Didi
About Didi:
Didi, officially Didi Chuxing (“DiDi”) is a Chinese multinational technology company headquartered in Beijing. It offers services including ride-hailing, car rentals, chauffeur, and food delivery. After merging with Kuaidi Dache, it acquired Uber China in 2016, and has become a dominant ride-hailing service provider in China. It also offers services in various other countries, including parts of Latin America and Australia.
For further information, visit the nearest office of InDriver
About InDriver:
InDriver is an international ride-hailing service headquartered in Mountain View, California. The service differs from others in that it allows passengers to set their own fare for a trip and negotiate directly with drivers. InDriver operates primarily outside the United States, with a strong presence in Latin America, Central Asia, Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice, empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. Driven by a deep-seated belief in an informed society, the firm champions innovative legal solutions and proactive community engagement while consistently upholding the highest standards of integrity. Their dedication to client success across diverse sectors is matched only by their passion for fostering a society equipped with the legal understanding to thrive.
