Uber settlement keeps drivers as contractors in 2 states

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Uber says it has settled a pair of major class-action lawsuits in California and Massachusetts that will keep its drivers independent contractors instead of employees.The settlement announced by the ride-hailing company Thursday night is a major step toward keeping its current thriving business model that has been threatened as drivers sought more rights.Under the deal Uber will pay $84 million to the plaintiffs in the two states and another $16 million if the company goes pu