More than 1,000 Uber drivers in Victoria have ratified the first collective agreement covering app-based ride-share workers in Canada, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1518 announced April 28.
“Over the past year and a half, Uber drivers here have united to build something great with UFCW behind us,” said Amninder Singh, Uber driver and bargaining committee member. “With this contract, we have achieved fairness, fair pay, strong support and real tangible gains. We now have protections for drivers when they have issues and that ultimately will lead to better conditions for everyone.”
The agreement covers drivers who joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1518 in July 2025, when Victoria became the first Canadian city where app-based workers successfully unionized.
What the contract includes
The collective agreement provides drivers with several workplace protections and financial benefits, according to UFCW:
- Signing and quarterly bonuses
- Annual fee increases
- A wellness fund for sick time or extended benefits
- Improved health and safety measures
- A formalized dispute resolution process with mandated time limits
Drivers also gain the ability to dispute issues related to pay, suspension, ratings and deactivations.
Dispute resolution and representation
Under the agreement, drivers have access to face-to-face representation backed by a legally enforceable collective bargaining agreement. The formalized dispute process sets time limits for resolving issues.
“This agreement is irrefutable proof that when workers unite to work together in solidarity with a common goal, great results can be achieved,” said Gilberto Talero Almanza, Uber driver and bargaining committee member. “This contract enables all Uber drivers in Victoria to continue to contribute to society while ensuring they have respect and dignity at work.”
Union and national context
UFCW Canada signed a national agreement with Uber in 2022 and has since filed thousands of cases on behalf of drivers, resulting in restored account access or positive outcomes in disputes.
“This worker-led, historic first collective agreement demonstrates how collective organizing can help the changing workforce meet the current moment and stand up for fairness and accountability,” said Patrick Johnson, president of UFCW Local 1518. “The monetary gains, the health and wellness wins, and the protections that come with the contract ratified today will strengthen the rideshare industry for years to come.”
UFCW Canada has also worked with the Government of British Columbia to develop laws and regulations supporting platform workers, including basic employment standards and workers’ compensation protections previously unavailable to the sector.
“App-based workers deserve protections like other workers: this agreement establishes a strong precedent for this work in British Columbia where the provincial government recognizes the importance of labour protections in this sector,” said Barry Sawyer, national president of UFCW Canada. “We hope that other governments in Canada and around the world also act to protect app-based workers.”
UFCW Canada represents more than 250,000 union members across the country in sectors including food retail and processing, transportation, health care, logistics and warehousing.
