Valentine’s Day may see a strike by takeaway delivery drivers demanding better pay and improved working conditions, impacting major apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
Approximately 3,000 drivers and riders plan to participate between 17:00 and 22:00 GMT. A cyclist mentioned their pay was “absolutely ridiculous,” emphasizing the need for fair compensation.
The grassroots group Delivery Job UK organized the strike to address poor pay and working conditions in the UK. The action extends to Just Eat and Stuart.com, with couriers from multiple apps refusing orders.
In the US, Uber, Lyft, and food delivery drivers are also set to halt work for two hours on Wednesday.
Delivery Job UK claimed riders endure adverse weather and long distances for meager payments, ranging from £2.80 to £3.15.
They seek a minimum pay increase to £5. A spokesperson mentioned that Deliveroo lowered fees, removing incentives, resulting in a 40% drop in real wages since 2018.
Couriers face violence on the streets, especially during evenings. Joe, a London courier since 2018, finds the work isolating and highlights the challenging conditions.
Changes in fee structures have impacted wages negatively, with some earning barely livable amounts, like £7 an hour in London.
Though not formally unionized, GMB has a unique agreement with Deliveroo, including a pay floor negotiated annually.
Deliveroo stated riders earn at least the national living wage, receive vehicle cost coverage, insurance, and income protection.
Uber Eats emphasized offering a flexible earning opportunity, stating the majority of couriers are satisfied. Just Eat mentioned providing a competitive base rate and incentives, regularly reviewing the pay structure.
Stuart.com affirmed its commitment to competitive earnings for courier partners.
The striking drivers aim to draw attention to exploitation and demand improved compensation for their essential work.
Source-BBC
