Canadian Uber Drivers Unionize: A New Era for Ride-Sharing
In a landmark decision, UFCW Local 1518 in British Columbia announced the unionization of over 500 Uber drivers in Greater Victoria, marking the first-ever union certification for app-based drivers in Canada. This achievement follows months of organizing, aided by British Columbia’s worker-friendly labor laws, including card-check unionization and recent amendments to the Employment Standards Act that extended a form of employment status to online platform workers. The drivers will now begin negotiating their first collective agreement, with pay transparency being a key focus, potentially setting a precedent for gig economy workers. While this victory is historic, challenges remain, particularly in securing a favorable first contract and the possibility of Uber’s withdrawal from the jurisdiction.
John Q. Hosedrinker