'These drivers are setting a national precedent'
Uber drivers in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, have officially unionised, becoming the first ride-share workers in Canada to join a labour union.
The drivers have joined the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 1518.
“This is a defining moment for the labour movement in Canada,” said Shawn Haggerty, UFCW Canada National President. “The certification of Uber drivers in Victoria shows that workers in every sector—even in the platform economy—can organise and win. These drivers are setting a national precedent, and UFCW Canada is committed to supporting them every step of the way as they work toward a strong and fair first collective agreement.”
In early 2022, Uber Canada and the UFCW signed a national agreement so the union can provide free representation to over 100,000 Uber drivers and delivery people facing account dispute issues.
According to the Engadget report, the bargaining unit was certified after a sufficient number of Uber drivers in Victoria signed union cards.
Drivers in the city had been organising for months to influence their working conditions and gain a voice in future changes to the ride-sharing platform, Engadget reported in the article posted in Yahoo! News, citing a Bloomberg article. Specifically, they're seeking greater transparency around trip rates and earnings, improved health and safety protections, as well as fair processes when it comes to account deactivations.
The union has previously organised workers in emerging sectors such as cannabis and agriculture and is leveraging that experience to support gig workers. “Technology may have changed how work happens, but gig work is still work—and all workers need a voice,” said Pablo Godoy, UFCW Canada Director of Emerging Sectors.
Uber confirmed to Bloomberg that it will meet with the union to negotiate the terms of a collective agreement.
This development follows another major milestone in 2024, when Amazon warehouse workers in Quebec formed the first union for Amazon employees in Canada.
“Employers must remember that employees need to feel respected, informed, heard, and safe at work,” said Victor Kim, partner at McMillan LLP in Toronto, in a previous article for Human Resources Director Canada.
“Unfortunately, with the pressures of coping with supply chain issues, return-to-office and hybrid work arrangements, and ever-changing tariffs, it is easy to lose focus on the constant need for positive employee engagement. To promote effective communication with employees, it is crucial to use their preferred methods of communication and to regularly engage in activities that foster open communication.”
