Uber Drivers In Canada Move To Unionize, Set Stage For Nation’s First Ride-Share Contract

Uber Technologies (UBER) stock was in the spotlight on Wednesday after the ride-hailing company’s drivers in British Columbia, Canada, joined a union to negotiate what they said would be the country’s first collective agreement for ride-share drivers.

The UFCW union noted that the drivers in the Greater Victoria region, who are unionizing, represent a new chapter for app-based workers. The UCFW 1518 said it will work with drivers to develop proposals that reflect their priorities.

“The certification of Uber drivers in Victoria shows that workers in every sector — even in the platform economy — can organize and win. These drivers are setting a national precedent, and UFCW Canada is committed to supporting them every step of the way as they work toward a strong and fair first collective agreement,” Shawn Haggerty, UFCW Canada National President, said.

The union also noted that through months of organizing, drivers identified core issues including greater transparency around trip rates and earnings, improved health and safety protections, and fair processes for account deactivations.

According to a Bloomberg report, Uber will meet with the union, and the bargaining unit’s certification happened automatically as a result of the number of signed union cards in Victoria, thanks to an online platform worker category created by BC late last year.

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits about Uber was in the ‘bearish’ (41/100) territory, while retail chatter was ‘high.’

Last year, ride-hailing drivers in Massachusetts won the right to unionize through a statewide ballot initiative.

Uber is currently facing stiff competition in the U.S. amid the rapid expansion of robotaxis. EV giant Tesla Inc. (TSLA) also pilot-launched its robotaxi service in a geofenced area within Austin last month.

Uber stock has gained nearly 46% this year.

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