Unifor commends B.C. government for introducing wage regulations

Rear view of a delivery driver on a motorcycle with an orange delivery crate. (CNW Group/Unifor)

VANCOUVER — A wage floor and access to workers compensation for gig workers are among the positive changes to employment standards regulations announced June 12 by the Government of B.C., says Unifor.

“B.C. is leading the way to enshrine the basic rights of the gig workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Today’s proposals will take gig workers one step closer to economic fairness.”

Gig workers often find work through digital platforms or apps, taking on tasks such as driving for ride-sharing services, delivering food, or performing various freelance jobs.

The regulations announced primarily apply to drivers employed by app-based dispatch, such as Door Dash or Uber. The rules will set minimum hourly wages, provide stronger tip protections, guarantee some compensation for vehicle expenses, and add some transparency to work assignments. Eligible gig workers will be covered by WorkSafeBC for job-related injury.

“We welcome the new regulations. Gig workers are some of the most exploited and underrepresented workers in B.C.’s entire economy,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “A union for gig workers is a true path to better working conditions, but they deserve unique legal tools to form their own unions.”

Unifor says that there are serious obstacles when gig workers attempt to form unions, such as the total lack of transparency about a gig companies’ total local workforce. Unifor has lobbied for employers to be forced to provide a payroll list after 20% of workers sign union cards. Many other industries, such as manufacturing, may consider exploring the gig economy for low-skilled labour in an effort to alleviate the labour shortage.