Gig workers call on B.C. for better working conditions, wage transparency

Gig workers for apps like Uber and Lyft gathered Tuesday to call on B.C.’s Labour Minister to improve working conditions for those in the sector.

The gathering outside Harry Bains’ office accused the tech companies of exploiting workers with low wages and unstable work.

One Uber driver of four years says it’s tough to make a living on the apps, despite working long hours.

He says if he works 13 hours per day, that means his engaged time is only six or seven hours.

“If your engaged time is seven hours, you’re going to get how much? Like $160. Do you think I can survive with $160?” he said.

“$160 is the total amount, if I deduct car depreciation, then gas, then tax, then GST, then I don’t have any benefits, I don’t have any vacation, I don’t have overtime. I have nothing.”

In December, CityNews heard from another Uber driver who said he wasn’t sure how much longer he could continue with the gig because he was struggling to make ends meet.

This comes after the demand for services like Uber and Lyft spiked in Metro Vancouver, due to a transit strike that grounded bus and SeaBus services. When the strike came into effect on Monday, customers experienced a surge in pricing, which Uber told CityNews it had capped, but would not specify at what. It also said it was offering additional incentives to drivers who worked more during the strike.

Last fall, the province announced it’s working on legislation to help balance the needs of app-based workers while keeping the services available.

In a statement to CityNews Wednesday morning, Uber says gig workers choose to work for the company “because of the flexibility it gives them.”

“They can earn money on their own terms, they control where and when they work, they are free to use other apps at the same time as they’re on Uber, choose which trips to accept, and they can drive using their own vehicle. It is this unparalleled flexibility that draws a diverse group of people to Uber including newcomers, parents, caregivers, students, retirees, entrepreneurs, and more,” the ride share company said.

“We believe drivers should earn a guaranteed minimum wage standard. Uber and UFCW Canada, Canada’s largest private sector union, have been advocating for a minimum earnings standard equivalent to at least 120% of the minimum wage during engaged time as part of our proposal to provincial governments across the country. BC’s NDP Government recently announced reforms that include a 120% of minimum wage.

“Fares and fees are disclosed to drivers in individual trip receipts and weekly and monthly statements. Fees, including Uber’s service fee (e.g., 25% for UberX in Vancouver), are set out in the agreements between Uber and drivers. Uber’s service fee goes towards improving our apps and platform services related to technology, support, marketing, safety, and security. This service fee on UberX (25%) is the same for base rates and when there is surge pricing.”

Tuesday’s protest called for more transparency from all gig and ride-share companies, to show everyone what portion of service fees go to workers.