Uber drivers in Victoria ratify historic first union contract
- The Left Chapter
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
On April 28, 2025, Uber drivers in Victoria, British Columbia, officially ratified their first-ever union contract, after joining United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1518 in July 2025. This represents a historic achievement as the first collective bargaining agreement for app-based workers in Canada.
The agreement covers more than 1,000 drivers, who now have access to face-to-face representation and support through the union. Being unionized allows drivers to advocate for fair treatment with legally enforceable protections.
The ratified contract secures important workplace protections and benefits, including:
Improved health and safety measures to safeguard drivers while on the job
Fair dispute processes to address conflicts or grievances
Enhanced pay and wellness benefits, supporting overall driver wellbeing and financial security
Bargaining took place over eight months between UFCW Local 1518 and Uber, demonstrating a thorough negotiation to establish protections reflective of the unique challenges faced by gig economy workers.
This agreement sets a precedent for other app-based workers in Canada, potentially influencing labor relations across gig platforms and encouraging unionization efforts in other cities or sectors. The Victoria Uber deal highlights that app-based work, often considered outside traditional labor models, can achieve legally supported labor protections through collective action.
“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,” says 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. Today, Uber drivers are redefining what being part of a union means. UFCW 1518 is proud to stand behind them and to be the union of platform workers in B.C.”
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