Uber sues New York City over driver protection law, citing constitutional violations

Uber Technologies filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court to block New York City's Local Law 52, which restricts large ride-sharing companies from dismissing drivers without just cause or a bona fide economic reason. The law permits deactivations only for account sharing, fraud, egregious misconduct such as violence or sexual harassment, and discrimination. Uber contends the law unconstitutionally violates its free speech and due process rights under both the U.S. and New York state constitutions, and argues it creates public safety risks by preventing removal of dangerous drivers. The company also objects to the 14-day notice requirement, claiming it creates a window for driver retaliation against passengers, and to provisions requiring disclosure of passenger abuse reports to accused drivers. Uber further argues the law imposes unfair procedural burdens by requiring judges and city officials to presume deactivations are unjust, shifting the burden to Uber to prove otherwise. The law passed the City Council 46-5 in January and is set to take effect July 28.