Recently finalized protections for gig workers, going into effect on September 3, 2024, are a first in the country!

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The new regulations will provide fairness, minimum-wage requirements and basic protections for the approximately 11,000 app-based ride-hailing drivers and 35,000 delivery workers in BC. With nearly 50% of people in BC having used food delivery or ride sharing apps in 2023, these regulations will protect essential employees whose work many BC residents benefit from.

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The yet-to-be introduced regulations will address the top concerns for app-based gig workers, including:

1. Setting a minimum wage for ‘engaged time’, addressing the issue of unpredictable pay,
2. Setting a minimum per-kilometer vehicle allowance to compensate for vehicle expenses, addressing the issue of low pay,
3. WorkSafeBC coverage for app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers, addressing the current lack of workers compensation,
4. Allowing workers to know the locations and estimated pay associated with a job BEFORE accepting it, addressing the current lack of transparency,
5. Informing workers of reason for suspension and termination OR being provided notice or compensation if terminated without cause, addressing “unfair” deactivations and suspensions,
6. Requiring companies to pay 100% of tips provided by customers to workers, protecting workers access to tips they earned.

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These new protections are a starting point to addressing the issues faced by workers in this relatively new working arrangement. As the new regulations are rolled out the ministry will continue to monitor the need for adjustments. It is important to note that these regulations only apply to app-based delivery and ride share drivers and do not extend to other gig workers.

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SOURCE