The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union has made headlines by successfully organizing Uber drivers in Victoria, British Columbia. This landmark achievement, finalized on April 28, saw more than 1,000 drivers ratifying their first collective agreement, becoming the first group of gig workers in North America to unionize.
UFCW’s Organizing Success in Victoria
Pablo Godoy, a senior leader with UFCW, highlighted that this accomplishment was the result of nearly seven years of effort. The organization worked closely with thousands of Uber drivers across Canada to understand their needs regarding the ride-hailing app and its algorithms.
In July 2025, drivers voted overwhelmingly in favor of forming a union, with a 99% approval rate. Following the vote, UFCW engaged in eight months of negotiations with Uber Technologies Inc. to craft a comprehensive four-year collective agreement.
Contract Highlights
- Drivers will receive bonus payments based on performance metrics.
- A signing bonus of $250 is granted to drivers who have completed at least 50 trips since July 1, 2025.
- Quarterly bonuses of $600 for those completing over 750 trips are part of the agreement.
- The deal includes an annual 5% increase in wait time and cancellation fees.
- A $500 annual wellness fund for sick time and benefits is available to drivers.
Despite these significant benefits, the contract notably lacks provisions regarding direct wages. Godoy mentioned that addressing wage structures posed challenges during negotiations, influenced by Uber’s complex fare algorithms.
Future Plans for Nationwide Organization
Following the success in Victoria, Godoy aims to replicate these achievements across Canada, particularly in urban areas like Toronto and Vancouver. He confirmed that every province has union cards signed by Uber drivers with UFCW.
UFCW entered a groundbreaking agreement with Uber in 2022, allowing union representatives to address driver concerns directly. This unique relationship has facilitated a better understanding of driver issues, paving the way for the recent collective agreement.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Critics argue that gig workers face ongoing challenges, often classified as independent contractors without benefits such as paid sick days or pensions. However, changes in British Columbia’s Employment Standards Act, effective mid-2024, promise enhanced rights for gig workers, including compensation for engaged time at approximately $20.88 per hour.
Patrick Johnson, president of UFCW Local 1518, emphasized that organizing drivers in smaller locations like Victoria is more manageable than in larger urban centers. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about finding success in regions with higher populations, as Uber drivers are increasingly organizing themselves through social media platforms.
Conclusion
The ratification of UFCW’s collective agreement marks a pivotal moment for gig worker organization and sets a precedent for future union efforts across various sectors. As UFCW seeks to expand its reach, the ongoing dialogue about the rights and compensation of gig workers continues to evolve, signifying a changing landscape in the app-based labor market.
