QLD what classification is a taxi driver

[nuptdriver]

Hi, i drive for a taxi company that has a contract with QLD Health to provide patient transport. we work a 12 hour shift in exchange for $460 per shift. We are also required to hire the taxi from a private owner or the cab company, which diminishes that $460, and then pay for fuel and GST out of the remainder. unlike a normal taxi, we are not allowed to accept any extra outside work, and we aren't allowed to reject any work given to us by the transport staff. We are required to sit down the road from the hospital while waiting to be allocated work, and aren't allowed to do any personal tasks during the shift and we aren't allowed to take lunch breaks until we have been told to by the transport staff. i have searched all over the place, but can't cant get a clear answer as to what taxi drivers are classified as? are we contractors? and could we be victims of sham contracting? and if so, is it worth pursuing any action?
it is terribly confusing.
Thanks.

 

[Rod]

Looks like you are being treated as a contractor, though your description makes it seem you are really an employee.

If you are willing to risk your job you can make enquiries, else continue as is and make a claim when you move on. Be aware your claim will likely be limited to a maximum of 6 years.

 

[nuptdriver]

Thanks. I'm not prepared to lose my job yet though.

 

[Tim W]

Taxi drivers are typically sole traders.
If you are a genuine employee, then there are several ways to tell.
Not least of which is how you are personally paid - are you getting a "normal" payslip?

Drivers who don't own their vehicles, typically hire their cars, and their in-car booking and payment tech,
from providers in much the same way that a carpenter hires a drill or a power saw from, say, Kennards.

 

[nuptdriver]

Taxi drivers are typically sole traders.
If you are a genuine employee, then there are several ways to tell.
Not least of which is how you are personally paid - are you getting a "normal" payslip?

Drivers who don't own their vehicles, typically hire their cars, and their in-car booking and payment tech,
from providers in much the same way that a carpenter hires a drill or a power saw from, say, Kennards.

We get invoices not payslips. but if we are considered sole traders, shouldn't we be able to accept extra work and also reject work as we see fit instead of being confined to one place?