The Province has finalized 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 final regulations are a product of years of engagement with workers, platform companies, labour organizations, business associations, the public and others. They create balanced solutions to the unique challenges of gig work, addressing workers’ priorities while ensuring app-based ride-hailing and delivery services remain available and affordable in B.C.
“Too many workers in this industry are putting in long hours and being paid less than the minimum wage,” said Janet Routledge, Parliamentary Secretary for Labour. “At the end of a shift, after paying their vehicle expenses, these workers are barely ahead of where they started. The new protections are going to change that.”
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.