Nicos Andrianakis, a former taxi driver, has successfully led a $272 million settlement against Uber, approved by the Victorian Supreme Court.
The payout, one of Australia’s largest class action settlements, will be distributed among more than 8,000 taxi and hire car drivers affected by Uber’s unregulated entry into the Australian market.
The class action, initiated in 2019 by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and lead plaintiff Andrianakis, claimed Uber operated illegally when it launched its UberX services in 2012.
Plaintiffs argued they suffered financial losses, including reduced income and devalued taxi licences, before ride-sharing services were legalised in various states from 2015 onwards.
Maurice Blackburn Principal Michael Donelly highlighted the difficulty of the five-year legal process, stating that Uber resisted compensation efforts throughout.
Andrianakis, whose family was deeply involved in the taxi industry, described Uber’s early operations as lawless and damaging, referring to them as “pirates.”
Justice Patricia Matthews approved the settlement, recognising it would not fully recover losses but deemed it a fair resolution compared to the risks and costs of a prolonged trial. The settlement provides long-awaited financial relief for drivers who endured significant disruption to their livelihoods.
Uber acknowledged the settlement and highlighted its regulation across Australia, stating that it has contributed to state-level compensation schemes and aims to move past these legacy issues.
Source: The Australian.
