Lyft Drivers Can’t Change Worker Classification Status, for Now

Lyft Inc. can continue classifying drivers in Massachusetts as independent contractors, not employees, after a federal judge ruled Friday that a group of drivers couldn’t obtain a preliminary injunction against the alleged misclassification.

An injunction for the public benefit isn’t available under the Massachusetts Wage Act, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts said. The law provides for individual and class-wide injunctive relief only.

Additionally, the injunction’s primary purpose and effect would be to redress or prevent harm to the plaintiffs, not necessarily the public, the court said. The plaintiffs also failed to show ...