In the bustling streets of Portland and beyond, Uber and Lyft drivers power Oregon’s urban mobility, yet they’re routinely denied the basic labor protections afforded to employees—minimum wage guarantees, overtime pay, workers’ compensation, and more. Classified as “independent contractors,” these drivers face exploitation under a facade of flexibility, earning as little as $6–$8 per hour after expenses while bearing all the risks of the job. But Oregon law demands a closer look: under the state’s worker classification rules, rideshare drivers overwhelmingly qualify as employees, not contractors. Reclassifying them isn’t just fair—it’s legally mandated, entitling drivers to at least minimum wage after expenses, plus 100% of tips, before any further protections kick in.