More than 500 Uber drivers in Victoria, British Columbia, have successfully obtained union certification from the labor relations board of the province. These drivers are now seeking to negotiate for collective rights with Uber, the prominent ride-hailing company that has recently expanded its operations across the region.
According to a statement from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Canada, specifically its Local 1518 representing the drivers, this marks the first instance in Canada where gig workers have been officially unionized. A spokesperson from the union mentioned that the Uber drivers will have a formal voice in their workplace for the first time in Canada and will soon address various concerns during negotiation sessions.
Pablo Godoy, the director for emerging sectors at UFCW Canada, highlighted that the concerns to be discussed include health and safety compensation, potential benefits, and other elements typical in a collective bargaining agreement. This process, which took nearly a year and involved significant effort among drivers to communicate and sign union cards, sets a precedent due to the unique nature of gig work where drivers self-enroll for their roles, as emphasized by the spokesperson.
In British Columbia, workplaces can attain certification with the B.C. Labour Relations Board through a single-step certification process if over 55% of employees sign union cards. In this case, more than 500 drivers signed such cards, with estimates suggesting there were approximately 600 to 700 drivers in Victoria at that time, meeting the required threshold set by the labor board.
Godoy mentioned the dynamic nature of the industry, noting that the ease of entry could lead to a fluctuation in the number of drivers on the platform. The union anticipates welcoming new members and is eager to commence bargaining with Uber in the near future, aiming to finalize the union’s initial collective agreement shortly thereafter.
The drivers have expressed a desire for improved provisions concerning health and safety, payment transparency, app ratings, and account deactivations. They hope that negotiations with Uber, expected to start within the next month or two, will address these concerns effectively.
Last August, British Columbia introduced expanded gig worker regulations, including a minimum wage of $20.88 per hour, workers’ compensation coverage, and measures for pay transparency. These regulations were established in response to several high-profile incidents involving threats to drivers and reports of financial struggles within the gig economy.
Uber had initially expressed reservations about implementing a minimum wage for workers, but the provincial authorities stood firm on the regulation. The classification of gig workers as employees under these rules aims to provide enhanced protections for workers in the industry.
In a recent statement, Uber assured that the experience for both drivers and passengers in Victoria would remain unchanged despite the new unionization. The company expressed readiness to engage in discussions with UFCW 1518 to address the drivers’ concerns and ensure a collaborative resolution.
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