On April 28, over 1,000 members of UFCW Local 1518 employed as Uber drivers in Victoria, British Columbia, ratified their first union contract.
Victoria Uber drivers made history when they joined UFCW Local 1518 in July of 2025, as Victoria became the first Canadian city where app-based workers have successfully unionized to demand better protections and rights. Now, with a ratified contract, the unionized Uber drivers have secured core workplace protections, including improved health and safety measures, fair dispute processes, and improved pay and wellness benefits.
The four-year contract includes signing and quarterly bonuses, annual increases for what drivers receive when customers incur fees for wait time, cancellations, and out-of-region rides, a wellness fund for sick time or extended benefits, improved health and safety, and more. The dispute resolution process has been formalized with mandated time limits, and drivers will have the ability to dispute issues related to pay, suspension, ratings, and deactivations.
“This agreement is irrefutable proof that when workers unite in solidarity with a common goal, great results can be achieved,” said Uber driver and bargaining committee member Gilberto Talero Almanza. “This contract enables all Uber drivers in Victoria to continue contributing to society while ensuring they have respect and dignity at work.”
“Over the past year and a half, Uber drivers here have united to build something great with UFCW behind us,” said Uber driver and bargaining committee member Amninder Singh. “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.”
“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 UFCW Local 1518 President Patrick Johnson. “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.”
“Today, Victoria Uber drivers have voted to have their voices heard and their rights protected, and we are proud to be the union representing them,” said UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer. “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 labor protections in this sector. We hope that other governments in Canada and around the world also act to protect app-based workers.”