Event and Time
Event Description
The Uber Group Proceedings began as a class action under Part 4A of the Supreme Court Act 1986 (Vic), involving multiple proceedings related to claims against Uber. On March 17, 2024, the parties reached an in-principle settlement prior to the trial set to commence on March 18, 2024. Court approval for this settlement is required, culminating in a hearing scheduled for September 9-10, 2024.
Application and Claims
The plaintiffs sought the Court's approval for a Proposed Settlement concerning claims in four respective proceedings. The applications also included provisions allowing group members to opt out or register their claims within set deadlines.
Judicial Decisions
Judicial decisions leading to the approval process involved multiple hearings and orders:
- Soft Class Closure Orders (issued July 21, 2023) initiated the opt-out process for group members.
- 19 April Orders established channels for objections to the Proposed Settlement, outlining protocols for registered and unregistered group members and addressing costs associated with legal proceedings.
Dispute Points and Legal Basis
Dispute Points
- Plaintiffs' Arguments:
- The proposed settlement was in the best interest of the group members. - Adequate notice had been given for opt-out and registration processes, adhering to legal requirements.
- Objections from Unregistered Group Members (UGMs):
- Late applications to participate in the settlement aimed to challenge adherence to the established deadlines. - Concerns regarding adequate representation and notice, arguing that late applicants had insufficient opportunities to engage with the process.
- Court’s View: