Toronto Uber Drivers Plan to Unionize

Hundreds of Uber drivers in Toronto are planning to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCWC), the Pacific Standard reports.

A spokesperson for the group said that the drivers are fighting for three reasons:

1. To implement a standard, $15 per hour minimum wage;
2. basic worker benefits such as sick days, vacation days, and breaks;
3. an end to the Uber app's user-based rating system.

Uber drivers in Canada are considered independent contractors. However, independent contractors are not allowed to unionize. Officials at UFCWC said that many of the drivers will argue that they are not independent contractors, but rather, employees.

Currently, there are about 90,400 ride-hailing drivers in Canada. The UFCWC has said "hundreds" of drivers have already signed union cards.