Uber Drivers in Canada Demand Better Conditions Ahead of World Cup

Weeks before global soccer fans arrive in Toronto and Vancouver for the World Cup, some Uber drivers are pushing for better working conditions during the tournament. At a routine meeting, they told the ride-hailing giant they are worried about traffic and tempers that 650,000 expected guests will bring to the Canadian cities in June and July.

“Increased traffic causes some customers to be antsy and nervous and frustrated,” said Barry Sawyer, national president at United Food and Commercial Workers, which offers representation to Uber drivers. “We asked Uber to make sure they communicate with all incoming passengers ... that it's not a driver's fault the roads are busier because unfortunately, sometimes if the passenger's upset with what's going on out there, they take it out on the driver.”

Uber would not say whether it will agree to the request. But spokesperson Keerthana Rang told a reporter the company regularly reminds riders and drivers to treat each other with courtesy and respect. “This is especially important during large-scale events such as the World Cup or the Taylor Swift concerts,” Rang said.

The request shows the conditions gig workers are bracing for when international soccer fans and locals turn to them for deliveries and rides to and from games, airports and viewing parties. The tournament is expected to boost demand for ride-hailing and food delivery services. That gives workers a chance to earn more, especially if platforms offer incentives to keep couriers on the road during the busiest periods.

But not all aspects of the games will be worth cheering for. Some foresee crowds that may be unruly, impatient and alcohol-fuelled clogging streets. That would hold up eventgoers and limit how many jobs gig workers can do, and thus how much they make.

“There will be more rides, I have no doubt, but I do think the speed at which things are moving is really going to impact whether that translates really into more income,” said Kristine Hubbard, managing director at Beck Taxi in Toronto. “I often liken it to a snowstorm. If you can't get around, neither can a taxi. We're not operating hovercrafts or small planes that can get you above the traffic. So if traffic is at a standstill, so are we.”

The 1,200 cabs her company dispatches will be contending with a range of match-day closures to the Fort York-Liberty Village corridor, where most of Toronto's World Cup festivities are taking place.