Uber drivers in Greater Victoria have officially formed a union, making a significant advancement in labor relations for gig workers. The drivers are now part of UFCW 1518, the largest private sector union in British Columbia, which will assist them in pursuing Canada’s first collective agreement specifically for rideshare drivers.
UFCW 1518 President Patrick Johnson hailed this achievement as a historic moment, stating, “They’ve made history, and now they have our union ready to back them up.” Likewise, UFCW National President Shawn Haggerty described the certification as a “defining moment” for workers, emphasizing that it illustrates the potential for organization and success across various sectors, including the platform economy. “These drivers are setting a national precedent,” he noted.
Key issues raised by the drivers include the need for transparency regarding trip rates and earnings, enhancing health and safety protections, and establishing fair procedures for account deactivations. In response, Uber has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with UFCW 1518 regarding these concerns. However, the company assured that the unionization would not alter how drivers interact with the service or the rider experience.
This milestone comes on the heels of recent updates to British Columbia’s labor laws, which now recognize an online platform worker category and implement protections such as a minimum wage for “engaged time” and coverage under WorkSafeBC. Notably, Uber commenced operations in Victoria in June 2023, after launching in the Lower Mainland three years prior, and extended its services throughout the province earlier this year.
This unionization marks a promising chapter in the ongoing movement towards better conditions and rights for gig workers, potentially inspiring others in similar industries to follow suit.