DON’T MISS
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Swiss news & articles
Uber shuts down in Geneva after court ruling
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Uber shuts down in Geneva after court ruling

By Jan de Boer
Jun 7, 2022

Uber has announced that it will be closing down its operations in Geneva. It comes after the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne ruled that Uber drivers in the city are not self-employed and should be salaried employees of the company.

Why can't I use Uber in Geneva?

On May 4, the Supreme Court ruled that Uber in Geneva was liable for payments to social security and for regular salary contributions, as - like courts in other cities and countries - it deemed drivers for the company should not be classed as freelancers or self-employed but as employees with salaries. Uber has now ceased operations in the canton indefinitely.

The decision sparked elation among other taxi operators in Switzerland, with one Geneva taxi driver saying, "It's a big win. I didn't sleep at all because I was so happy and called all my friends instead. We suffered a lot from Uber. I've been a taxi driver for 37 years, but since Uber came along, I've only made around 60 percent of my income."

Uber now forced to pay Swiss salaries and social security

As a consequence of the ruling, according to Swiss trade union Unia, 1.700 drivers in Geneva have now lost their jobs. The decision also makes Uber liable to pay employees' minimum wage and social security contributions from 2019 to today - a cost estimated at 21 million Swiss francs in total. 

Uber driver Aria Jabbarpour said that many of his colleagues have now banded together to sue Uber for expenses. “I will declare all expenses for the car, and what else I have paid, to my employer. Uber is now my patron and has to pay for that. Anything else is cheating on drivers,” he explained. 

Uber shutdown likely to spread to other cities in Switzerland

In a statement, Uber said that the decision in Geneva will not affect their services in Zurich, Bern, Basel and other Swiss cities. However, this was quickly contradicted by Geneva Councillor Mauro Poggia, who said that the ruling will affect the whole country in time. 

According to labour law expert Thomas Geiser, the decision now sets a clear precedent for Uber and it will not be long before other taxi drivers sue the company. When asked whether this will mean the end of Uber in Switzerland, he said, “Uber simply has to rethink the business model… It is an absolute mistake to think that employment is something that prevents business. On the contrary, it works perfectly.”

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:


Jan de Boer

Editor at IamExpat Media

Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016. While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more

Related Stories

Geneva braced for disruption on January 31 due to planned TPG strikeGeneva braced for disruption on January 31 due to planned TPG strike
April 2025 in Switzerland: 10 major changes expats need to know aboutApril 2025 in Switzerland: 10 major changes expats need to know about
SBB commits to direct train between Switzerland and LondonSBB commits to direct train between Switzerland and London
Zurich and Geneva to be given direct trains to London under new plansZurich and Geneva to be given direct trains to London under new plans
Geneva unveils plans to build brand new metro systemGeneva unveils plans to build brand new metro system
Geneva swimming spots to be connected by new Beach Line bus serviceGeneva swimming spots to be connected by new Beach Line bus service
Uber launches two new ride services in 4 Swiss citiesUber launches two new ride services in 4 Swiss cities
Geneva main station to close for 20 hours from November 23Geneva main station to close for 20 hours from November 23
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemapRSS feeds
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.