But their status as independent contractors under federal law - without workers compensation,superannuation or sick leave - has prompted renewed pressure from riders,unions,and some sections of politics to reform the industry.
Labor's federal industrial relations spokesman Tony Burke indicated that the opposition would be open to extending the power of the Fair Work Commission.
“The claim that a visa worker whose only asset is a second-hand bike is somehow an empowered independent contractor is ridiculous and dangerous,” Mr Burke will say at an industry dinner in Sydney on Thursday.
“Saying yes to the technology doesn’t have to mean saying yes to exploitation.”
In speech notes seen by theHerald,Mr Burke said the FWC could have its remit extended to deal with circumstances that were “employee-like”.
“This avoids the risk of new legislated definitions which could simply see the platforms restructuring to avoid being caught by the legislation,” he said.