Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Denver news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Des Moines news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Minneapolis-St. Paul news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Tampa Bay news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Charlotte news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Uber's mobile app icon. Photo: Ali Balikci/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
On the eve of its IPO, Uber revealed in a new regulatory filing that it has settled with thousands drivers over their claims of being misclassified as independent workers, and expects to spend $146 million to $170 million on the agreements.
The big picture: At the same time, it also disclosed a new, similar legal challenge filed by drivers in Australia.
Why it matters: Much of Uber's (and Lyft's) business model depends on its drivers being contractors instead of employees, which would be costlier as it would have to provide them with benefits like health insurance. Both ride-hailing companies have fought numerous such lawsuits over the years.