Despite the fact it has spent millions on legal fees fighting legislation to prevent its drivers becoming official employees, Uber now wants the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consider those same drivers as essential in order to get priority for Covid-19 vaccinations.

Uber says drivers are essential as they play a role in transporting front-line health professionals to work and help keep people at home by offering home delivery food services.

“Early access to a vaccine would help drivers and delivery people continue to play their essential role while also reducing the risk that they may inadvertently contract, or possibly transmit, the virus,” the formal request letter said.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is preparing a list of priority work groups for early access to Covid vaccinations.

Several industry sectors and firms have made requests including delivery services, the trucking industry, and food producers.

So far, the CDC has confirmed healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities will be first in line.