Victoria Uber Drivers Make History with Union Certification

Strategic Insights -

Historic Uber drivers in Victoria, British Columbia have made waves by certifying with UFCW 1518, the province's largest private sector union. This groundbreaking move marks the first-ever union certification for rideshare drivers in Canada. As the city's Uber drivers embark on negotiating a collective agreement, they are paving the way for gig workers across the country to have a voice in their working conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Uber drivers in Victoria, British Columbia have certified with UFCW 1518, the largest private sector union in the province.
  • This historic union certification marks the first-ever collective agreement for rideshare drivers in Canada.
  • The drivers are seeking improvements in areas such as transparency around trip rates and earnings, health and safety protections, and fair processes for account deactivations.
  • UFCW 1518 has a proven track record of representing workers in emerging industries, including cannabis and temporary foreign agricultural workers.
  • The union is working closely with drivers to develop proposals that reflect their priorities, with a focus on improving working conditions.
  • UFCW Canada is committed to supporting the drivers every step of the way as they work toward a strong and fair first collective agreement.

Statistics:

  • 28,000 workers are represented by UFCW 1518 in various sectors, including retail, grocery, healthcare, food, and cannabis.
  • This certification marks a defining moment for the labour movement in Canada, demonstrating that workers in the platform economy can organize and win.
  • 100% of Uber drivers in Victoria have certified with UFCW 1518, representing a new chapter for app-based workers.

Sources:

  • GlobeNewswire. (2025, July 02). UFCW 1518 Welcomes Uber Drivers in Victoria as Newest Members.