Brazil appeals court rules Uber driver not entitled to benefits

Gig economy: Uber drivers waiting for passengers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, recently. Uber said drivers are free to set their own hours, cancel or pass on trips and use competing apps, making them service providers rather than employees. — Reuters

SAO PAULO: A Brazil appeals court ruled that a driver working for Uber via its ride-hailing app is not an employee of the San Francisco-based company and therefore not entitled to workers' benefits, overturning an earlier lower court decision. 

The ruling adds to the global debate over labour rights for drivers on the popular platform and could establish a precedent for various similar cases in Latin America's largest economy.