British Columbia: Uber is challenging new British Columbia regulations that set a $20.88 per hour minimum wage for gig workers like drivers and delivery personnel, starting September 3. This wage is about 20% higher than the regular minimum wage to cover unpaid time between rides or deliveries.
While Uber supports the higher wages and direct tips for workers, it disagrees with the new rule requiring a 35- to 45-cent per-kilometer allowance for vehicle expenses, saying it’s too high compared to California. Uber warns that this could increase costs for users and impact local businesses.
B.C.’s Labour Ministry, however, defends the changes, saying they provide necessary protections and fair pay. Premier David Eby dismissed Uber’s complaints, insisting the regulations will stay.
The new rules, which apply to ride-hailing and delivery workers but not other gig jobs like freelance writing or dog walking, also include transparency on job details and require coverage with WorkSafeBC for workplace injuries.
Unifor, a labor union, supports the regulations but calls for more tools to help gig workers form unions, citing challenges due to a lack of transparency from gig companies.