Canberra, May 3 (IANS): Thousands of taxi drivers on Friday filed a class action lawsuit against ride-sharing app Uber "for destroying their livelihoods".

Legal firm Maurice Blackburn filed the lawsuit on behalf of over 6,000 drivers of taxis, charter vehicles and limousines, among others, reports Efe news.

"Make no mistake, this will be a landmark case regarding the alleged illegal operations of Uber in Australia and the devastating impact that has had on the lives of hard-working and law-abiding citizens here," national head of class actions, Andrew Watson, said.

"The sheer scale of the case means it is shaping as one of the largest class actions in Australian history.

"It is not acceptable for a business to place itself above the law and operate illegally to the disadvantage of others. We've got a strong case, a strong team and substantial support from thousands of drivers, operators and licence owners nationwide."

Taxi drivers in many major cities around the world have staged protests since the app and service were launched in 2009.

Taxi drivers complain that Uber represents unfair competition for tightly regulated traditional taxis.