Speaking to Swiss public television SRF, the head of the cantonal government Mauro Poggia said that the ride-hailing service was subject to the applicable taxi and transport law. This means Uber is currently not fulfilling its legal obligations and will have to hire its drivers and pay their social benefits, such as pensions, like other taxi companies.
According to checks carried out by the canton of Geneva, criteria such as fares, invoices and even an evaluation system for drivers are used at Uber. For this reason, the authorities rejected the arguments of Uber’s lawyers that their drivers were self-employed.
“The canton of Geneva bans Uber until the company rectifies the violations and complies with the law,” said Poggia.
The authorities fear a poverty trap awaits Uber drivers who retire without pension contributions and that the general public will then have to cover the costs. Uber now has 30 days to appeal. Until then, the company may continue to operate but by the end of November, Uber must either hire its drivers and pay social benefits or go to court to appeal against the decision.
A spokewoman for Uber said on Friday that the company would appeal the decision at the administrative court.
More
More
Uber reaches 400,000 active users in Switzerland
This content was published on
The controversial US ride-hailing firm has reported 30% growth in Swiss users in a little over a year.
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Switzerland must pay more than originally planned for US F-35 fighter jets
This content was published on
Switzerland has been unable to push through a fixed-price deal (CHF6 billion) with the United States for 36 new F-35 fighter jets.
This content was published on
A small two-seater plane crashed into Lake Geneva near Vevey on Tuesday afternoon. The two people on board were able to escape from the submerged aircraft without any injuries.
Swiss National Bank publishes new banknote designs
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is working on a new series of banknotes on the theme of “Switzerland and its altitudes”. Twelve designs for the new series have been submitted and the public's opinion is now being sought.
US envoy meets Sudan army chief in Switzerland to discuss peace proposal
This content was published on
Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and US envoy for Africa Massad Boulos met in Switzerland to discuss a US peace plan aimed at ending the civil war in Sudan.
This content was published on
Late Shift [Heldin], a film by about overworked nurses, is Switzerland's candidate for the Best International Feature Film award at the Oscars next year.
US tariffs: most Swiss rule out making future concessions, survey reveals
This content was published on
According to a survey published on Wednesday, most Swiss residents are against offering concessions to the US in the current tariff dispute.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss authorities say Uber drivers should be treated as ‘employees’
This content was published on
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has clearly indicated that Uber drivers should be classed as employees rather than self-employed.
Uber recognised as professional ‘call centre’ in Lausanne
This content was published on
The controversial ride-hailing app service Uber now operates with professional drivers and is recognised as a “call centre” in the Lausanne area.
What makes people become Uber cabbies in Lausanne?
This content was published on
Uber has entered its latest Swiss city – Lausanne – but for a controversial company in a place with low unemployment and high wages, how easy is it to find drivers?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.