Uber drivers in B.C.'s Interior join union agreement

Uber drivers in B.C.'s Interior are now covered by a union agreement after joining UFCW 1518, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers union. The move extends a labour deal first negotiated by about 1,000 Uber drivers on Vancouver Island in May to another 1,000 drivers in the OkanaganKootenayCariboo region. Union representatives said the agreement is intended to give platform workers more representation and a way to raise workplace concerns. The union said the deal includes changes such as higher waiting and cancellation fees, a signing bonus, access to a health spending fund, and health and safety committees. Drivers will also be able to challenge ratings that could lead to temporary or permanent removal from the platform. Uber said the expansion shows its model is functioning as intended and said the agreement preserves driver flexibility while adding benefits and representation. The company said rider experience will remain largely the same aside from a modest fee increase.