Tokyo authorities on Friday ordered the operator of Uber Eats food delivery service in Japan to enter into negotiations with a labor union representing its staff, agreeing with the organization that the unit of the U.S.-based company had engaged in unfair practices.The union, formed in October 2019, had been pushing for the operator to negotiate contract terms and seek improved working conditions, but the firm had been arguing that those using the platform for work are independent contractors and, therefore, should not be regarded as workers under Japan's labor union law.The rising number of people using gig economy platforms operated by tech companies like Uber Technologies or Amazon.com Inc. for work has highlighted the issue of vulnerable workers left unprotected by labor laws as freelancers.Experts on labor issues and vulnerable workers hope the decision made by the Tokyo government's Bureau of Labor Relations Commission will improve freelancers' treatment.Uber Eats Japan Inc. said in a statement, "It is very unfortunate that (the decision) does not take into account flexible and independent working styles.""