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Motor vehicle drivers

Uber Drivers in Victoria, B.C., Join Union, Marking a Milestone in Canadian Labour History

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Uber drivers in Victoria, B.C., have made history by joining a union, becoming the first group in Canada to negotiate a collective agreement for rideshare drivers. This significant development has left the labour movement in Canada eagerly awaiting the outcome of the negotiations, which will focus on securing improved health and safety measures, greater transparency in ratings, and fair processes for account deactivations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has successfully certified the union of Uber drivers in Victoria, B.C., under Local 1518, making them the first group in Canada to do so.
  • The drivers are seeking to negotiate a collective agreement that addresses workplace protections, including improved health and safety measures, greater transparency in ratings, and fair processes for account deactivations.
  • UFCW Canada has been supporting drivers nation-wide with advocacy and support since 2022, filing over 4,000 disputes on their behalf.
  • Laura Miller, director of public policy at Uber Canada, stated that the company will meet with UFCW 1518 to discuss the issues raised by drivers and that the certification of the union will not affect the experiences of drivers or riders on the app.
  • Bill 48 in B.C. has updated labour laws to provide greater protections for gig workers, making them employees of operators of online platforms.

Statistics:

  • 4,000+ disputes filed on behalf of drivers by UFCW Canada since 2022.
  • 94% of drivers report that driving with Uber provides them with the scheduling flexibility they cannot get from a traditional job.

Sources:

  • United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) statement
  • Email from Laura Miller, director of public policy at Uber Canada
  • Bill 48 in B.C. labour laws
  • CAPTION(S); Uber drivers in Victoria, B.C., have just joined a union and are now set to become the first group in Canada to negotiate a collective agreement for rideshare drivers.

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