Gig workers call on BC for better conditions

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 dollars 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, The Leader Spirit 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 The Leader Spirit 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.

Tuesday’s protest called for more transparency from the companies, to show everyone what portion of service fees go to workers.