THE GMB union has hailed its “historic and groundbreaking” recognition deal with Uber.

Under the agreement announced on Wednesday evening, the union will potentially represent tens of thousands of private hire drivers across the country – there are 70,000 signed up to the company’s app.

GMB will now have greater power to fight for better pay, pensions and health and safety for its members at Uber.

The company, the only major private hire operator to recognise a union, will support workers if they choose to join GMB and union representatives will also have a presence in Uber’s driver support hubs to boost membership.

The deal comes after drivers with the company won the rights to holiday pay, a guaranteed minimum wage and a pension plan after the Supreme Court ruled in February that they are workers, not self-employed contractors.

The landmark case, brought by GMB, puts pressure on other gig economy bosses to do the same.

GMB national officer Mick Rix, the lead negotiator on the recognition agreement, said: “This groundbreaking deal could be the first step to a fairer working life for millions. History has been made.

“This agreement shows gig economy companies don’t have to be a Wild West on the untamed frontier of employment rights.

“We now call on all other operators to follow suit.”

Uber regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe Jamie Heywood said: “Whilst Uber and GMB may not seem like obvious allies, we’ve always agreed that drivers must come first. This important deal [will] improve workers’ protections.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady praised GMB members for their “tireless campaigning,” but she warned that their victory was just the start.

“Unions won’t rest until platform companies across the gig economy agree on improving pay and conditions,” she said.