CAUber drivers in Kamloops and Kelowna have joined a union, becoming part of the first collective agreement for app-based ride-hailing workers in Canada. They are affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1518, the same union that organized Victoria-area Uber drivers last year. The new agreement includes quarterly bonuses, a $500 wellness fund, and the ability to appeal customer ratings if their accounts are deactivated. This follows updates to British Columbia's labor laws in 2024, which classified app-based gig workers under existing labor regulations and introduced a minimum wage and per-kilometer allowance. However, drivers previously expressed concerns about long hours and low pay, prompting calls for further improvements. The expansion was accelerated by an accretion clause in the Victoria agreement, which allowed for broader inclusion of drivers.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, union representatives highlighting improved conditions and Uber emphasizing flexibility and successful collective bargaining. It does not favor one side over the other, providing balanced quotes and context about the labor law changes and driver concerns.
