Uber drivers unionize in Kamloops, Okanagan

Kamloops and Okanagan Uber drivers are are joining a first-of-its-kind union.

United Food and Commercial Workers will represent more than 1,000 gig workers in the Southern Interior, according to an advisory sent to news media today, Sept. 1.

It comes a year after Uber drivers in Victoria joined the union, which came to an agreement with Uber last year. It was a first for not only Uber drivers but app-based gig workers in Canada at the time.

Drivers in Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton will now be part of the country’s only union for Uber drivers.

UFCW and Uber drivers plan to release more details at a news conference in Kelowna on Wednesday.

Uber Canada and the national union signed an agreement four years ago, paving the way for drivers to access representation.

The 2025 ratification in Victoria was the first time Uber drivers were enrolled under the union’s umbrella.

According to a news release in 2022, the agreement enables drivers to appeal account deactivations, while the union also represents drivers when health and safety issues arise.

It’s not clear whether there have been changes in driver benefits or conditions since the agreement was signed, but Uber Canada said it has reversed more than 1,000 account deactivations.