Gig workers in British Columbia have employment protections covering minimum pay, tips, vehicle expenses, workplace safety and account deactivation. These rules apply to app-based delivery and ride-hail workers, including drivers using Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Uber Eats.
As of June 1, 2026, covered gig workers must earn at least $21.89 per hour of engaged time. However, this rate doesn’t cover all the time spent logged into an app.
💡 BC Gig Worker Minimum Wage 2026: $21.89 per hour of engaged time, plus tips and applicable distance allowances. Engaged time starts when you accept an assignment and begin carrying it out, and ends when it’s completed or cancelled.
On This Page
- Who Is Covered?
- Minimum Wage
- Mileage & Tips
- Other Legal Protections
- Account Deactivation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Considered a Gig Worker in BC?
Gig work refers to flexible, task-based work, often arranged through an online platform.
BC’s special gig worker rules cover two main categories:
- Delivery workers: People who accept app-based assignments to deliver food, groceries or other orders.
- Ride-hail drivers: People who accept passenger trips through ride-hailing apps.
These workers are treated as employees for specific purposes under BC’s Employment Standards Act, even if they would be considered independent contractors under other laws.
Other freelancers and independent contractors aren’t automatically covered by these special rules. See our Independent Contractor BC guide.
What Is the Minimum Wage for Gig Workers in BC in 2026?
The minimum wage for covered app-based delivery and ride-hail workers is $21.89 per hour of engaged time.
This is 120% of BC’s general minimum wage. The rate is adjusted annually.
What Counts as Engaged Time?
Engaged time includes the time spent carrying out an accepted assignment, such as travelling to collect an order, waiting for it and completing the delivery.
Time spent logged into an app waiting for an assignment isn’t included.
How Is Minimum Pay Calculated?
Minimum pay is calculated across the worker’s engaged time during each pay period, not separately for every delivery or trip.
Example: A delivery worker completes 20 hours of engaged time during a pay period.
- Required minimum earnings: $437.80
- App earnings: $380.00
- Required additional payment: $57.80
Tips and distance allowances don’t count toward the minimum wage calculation. They must be paid separately.
For other wage rates, see our Minimum Wage BC guide.
Are Gig Workers Entitled to Mileage Pay and Tips in BC?
Yes. Covered gig workers are entitled to applicable distance allowances in addition to their earnings and tips.
| Type of Work | Minimum Distance Allowance |
|---|---|
| App-based delivery using a vehicle, bicycle or other transportation | $0.35 per kilometre during engaged time |
| Ride-hail driving using a motor vehicle | $0.45 per kilometre during engaged time |
Covered gig workers must receive their customer tips in addition to minimum engaged-time earnings and applicable distance allowances. Tips can’t be used to make up a minimum wage shortfall.
For more information about who owns tips, employer deductions and tip-sharing rules, see our BC Tip Laws guide.
What Other Employment Rights Do Gig Workers Have in BC?
BC introduced additional protections for covered gig workers on September 3, 2024.
- Upfront payment information: Apps must provide estimated payment and approximate pickup and drop-off locations before workers accept assignments.
- Pay statements: Workers must receive records showing engaged time, earnings, distance allowances, tips and deductions.
- WorkSafeBC coverage: Covered workers have workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety protections.
- Account protection: Platforms must follow notice and procedural requirements when suspending or permanently removing workers.
Important: These special rules don’t provide all the same entitlements as regular employment. Standard overtime, statutory holiday pay, paid leave and annual vacation provisions don’t automatically apply to covered app-based gig work.
Can Uber, DoorDash or Another App Deactivate a Worker in BC?
Yes, but platforms must follow specific rules when temporarily suspending or permanently deactivating a covered worker’s account.
For temporary suspensions, platforms normally must give at least 72 hours’ written notice, explain the reason and provide information about how the worker can respond or request reconsideration.
Exceptions apply, including serious misconduct and immediate safety risks.
For permanent deactivation, platforms must provide written reasons. Statutory termination notice or compensation requirements can also apply.
If your account has been deactivated, keep the platform’s messages, payment statements and records of your work.
Gig Worker Rights BC: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Uber and DoorDash Drivers Employees in BC?
They are treated as employees for specified purposes under BC’s Employment Standards Act and workers’ compensation legislation. This doesn’t automatically give them every right available to traditional employees.
Does BC’s Gig Worker Minimum Wage Include Waiting Time?
Only waiting time during an accepted assignment counts. Time spent waiting for a new order or ride request generally doesn’t count as engaged time.
Can Gig Workers Keep Their Tips in BC?
Yes. Tips are protected and paid separately from minimum wages. Platforms can’t count tips toward the $21.89 hourly minimum.
Do Gig Workers Get Overtime or Vacation Pay in BC?
The special app-based gig worker rules don’t automatically provide standard overtime or vacation pay. Workers with a separate employment relationship can have additional rights.
What if an App Pays Less Than Minimum Wage?
The platform must make up any shortfall in the minimum engaged-time earnings for the pay period. Workers can raise unpaid wage concerns with BC’s Employment Standards Branch.
Know Your Employment Rights in BC
App-based delivery and ride-hail workers have specific rights under BC law, including minimum engaged-time pay, distance allowances and protections against improper account suspension.
For unpaid wages or gig worker complaints, contact BC’s Employment Standards Branch.
If you work outside the app-based gig sector and believe you’ve been wrongly classified as an independent contractor, you can have broader employment and severance rights.
The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees understand wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal and severance pay.
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