Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Employee Status for Amazon Flex Drivers

The ruling affirms drivers' eligibility for unemployment benefits and could have wider implications for the gig economy.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld a ruling that Amazon Flex drivers are employees, not independent contractors, affecting their eligibility for unemployment benefits.
This decision leaves a 2023 Wisconsin appeals court ruling against Amazon in place, potentially resulting in a tax bill of over $200,000 for Amazon Logistics.
Labor unions and the state Department of Workforce Development advocated for the court to recognize Amazon Flex workers as employees, highlighting the impact on workers in the gig economy.
Legal experts believe this case could influence other gig economy disputes, emphasizing the need for clarity in worker classification.
The ruling is part of a broader national conversation on the rights of gig economy workers and the responsibilities of companies like Amazon.