12 Jun
On June 12, 2024, the government of BC announced regulations to provide fairness, minimum-wage measures and basic protections for app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers in British Columbia. The regulations, a first in Canada, will come into effect on Sept. 3, 2024. They will apply to those who work for apps such as Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats, SkiptheDishes, DoorDash and others.
The regulations address the top concerns raised by workers, including:
- Low and unpredictable pay: The regulation sets a minimum wage for engaged time, and a minimum per-kilometre vehicle allowance to compensate workers for their vehicle expenses.
- Lack of workers compensation: All ride-hailing and delivery workers will be covered through WorkSafeBC.
- Lack of transparency: Companies must allow workers to see the locations and estimated pay associated with a job before workers accept it.
- Unfair deactivations and suspension: Companies must tell workers why they are being suspended or terminated. If they are terminated without cause, they must be given notice or compensation.
- Tip protection: Companies must pay 100% of tips provided by the customer to the worker.
Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, has issued the following statement: “Companies in B.C. already contend with some of the highest costs and strictest regulatory and tax environments in North America. We are concerned that the new regulations will impose additional burdens and reduce flexibility, inevitably leading to even higher costs for transportation and food delivery services. These new regulations also risk resulting in less work for ride-hailing and food delivery workers and ultimately lower overall wages…”
