In a watershed moment for the gig economy, the British Columbia Labour Relations Board has certified the union of Victoria-based Uber drivers, establishing what labour advocates are calling the first successful unionization of ride-hailing drivers worldwide. This groundbreaking development, finalized yesterday after months of organizing efforts, fundamentally reshapes the relationship between digital platforms and their workers in Canada’s westernmost province.
“This isn’t just a victory for Victoria’s drivers—it’s a turning point in how we understand modern employment relationships,” said Maya Richardson, the lead organizer with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada, which now represents approximately 300 Victoria-area Uber drivers. “For too long, these workers have existed in a precarious middle ground, bearing the risks of independent contractors while being subjected to the controls of employees.”
The certification follows a contested year-long campaign during which Uber Technologies Inc. vigorously opposed the unionization effort, arguing that its drivers value flexibility above all else. Internal company documents obtained during proceedings revealed that Victoria drivers earn an average of $17.40 per hour after expenses—significantly below British Columbia’s living wage calculation of $25.40 for the Victoria region.
According to Canada News, the Labour Board’s decision hinged on a crucial determination that Uber exerts sufficient control over working conditions to establish an employer-employee relationship, despite the company’s insistence that drivers are independent contractors. The 142-page ruling specifically cited Uber’s unilateral authority to set fares, allocate rides, and deactivate drivers as evidence of an employment relationship.
Federal Labour Minister Anita Rogers called the certification “a recognition that technological innovation doesn’t negate the fundamental rights of workers to collectively bargain,” adding that Ottawa is watching the development closely as it considers national gig worker legislation expected later this year.
Uber spokesperson Jeremy Fitzgerald expressed disappointment with the decision, stating the company is “reviewing all legal options” while emphasizing that “this certification applies only to Victoria and does not affect our operations elsewhere in Canada.” Industry analysts from the CO24 Business desk note that the ruling could trigger similar unionization efforts across the country, particularly in Toronto and Montreal, where driver organizing campaigns are already underway.
The newly certified union will now begin the process of negotiating its first collective agreement, with wage floors, expense reimbursement, and deactivation protections topping the priority list. UFCW representatives estimate negotiations could take six to eight months, with the possibility of job action if talks stall.
“Today Victoria, tomorrow the world,” said driver-organizer Preet Singh, who has driven for Uber for four years. “We’ve proven that when we stand together, even the largest tech companies must acknowledge our humanity and our rights.”
The certification arrives as multiple jurisdictions worldwide grapple with the employment classification of gig workers. Last month, the European Parliament passed legislation creating a presumption of employment for platform workers, while California continues its complex legal battle over Proposition 22, which exempted ride-hailing companies from treating drivers as employees.
As ride-hailing services have become essential infrastructure in many Canadian cities, the question remains: will this historic unionization fundamentally transform the gig economy, or will companies find new ways to maintain their current business models while accommodating organized labour?
