In Uber's business model the drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This is a fairly technical, legal distinction that can have significant ramifications for Uber. Making the distinction stick can save Uber taxes and get Uber off the hook for a number of obligations in markets that have strong employee rights laws (which in general would not apply to independent contractors).
One criterion for determining if someone doing the work is doing it as an employee or as an independent contract is the amount of control the "boss" exercises over how the work gets done. So the more Uber tries to dictate how its drivers conduct their businesses, the more likely that the drivers will be considered legally employees; and therefore the more likely that Uber will acquire the associated liabilities. This is becoming a significant challenge for Uber in a number of markets, like
California,
New Jersey, and the
UK.
It looks like Uber is trying to walk a fine line here.