[UK] Disappointment on Valentine’s menu as delivery drivers strike

In the UK, food deliveries are likely to be more of a challenge this Valentine’s Day as widespread courier strikes by drivers from apps including Deliveroo and Uber Eats take effect, Yahoo reports.

Delivery Job UK arranged the February 14 strike to demand better pay and working conditions. 

The walkouts are reportedly intended to highlight job insecurity and inadequate pay in the food delivery industry.

Individuals employed as delivery drivers are classified as self-employed, meaning employers can pay them below the statutory minimum wage which is currently £10.42 an hour.

In a Twitter post, Delivery Job UK stated, “This Valentine’s Day strike highlights the growing tensions between gig economy workers and the platforms they work for. As consumers, it’s crucial to consider the conditions under which our conveniences are delivered.

“Let’s stand in solidarity with those fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. It’s more than just a meal at stake – it’s about the dignity and rights of every worker.”

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, representing gig economy workers, lost its Supreme Court battle for the right to unionise and bargain on behalf of riders in November 2023, because the court determined they were not “workers”.

UK delivery drivers have reportedly complained about a lack of clarity and a variety of payments for jobs which usually offer a flat rate minimum with an additional payment fee.

According to Rodeo - a data collation app that allows riders to compare their payments - earnings were slashed in 2022 and 2023 despite high inflation. Deliveroo does not permit its workers to upload their details to the app.

Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Callum Cant from the Internet Institute at the University of Oxford expressed his concerns regarding decreasing wages and a lack of consideration for workers, who he described as “invisible”.

A Deliveroo spokesperson told The Guardian, “Deliveroo aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections.

“Thousands of people apply to work with Deliveroo each month, rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us.”

A spokesperson for Uber Eats said, “We offer a flexible way for couriers to earn by using the app when and where they choose. We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app.”

Valentine’s Day strikes are reportedly planned in North America too with thousands of couriers intending to refuse to take orders and some intending to picket major airports and Uber’s San Francisco HQ.

Source: Yahoo

(Link and quotes via original reporting) 

In the UK, food deliveries are likely to be more of a challenge this Valentine’s Day as widespread courier strikes by drivers from apps including Deliveroo and Uber Eats take effect, Yahoo reports.

Delivery Job UK arranged the February 14 strike to demand better pay and working conditions. 

The walkouts are reportedly intended to highlight job insecurity and inadequate pay in the food delivery industry.

Individuals employed as delivery drivers are classified as self-employed, meaning employers can pay them below the statutory minimum wage which is currently £10.42 an hour.

In a Twitter post, Delivery Job UK stated, “This Valentine’s Day strike highlights the growing tensions between gig economy workers and the platforms they work for. As consumers, it’s crucial to consider the conditions under which our conveniences are delivered.

“Let’s stand in solidarity with those fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. It’s more than just a meal at stake – it’s about the dignity and rights of every worker.”

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, representing gig economy workers, lost its Supreme Court battle for the right to unionise and bargain on behalf of riders in November 2023, because the court determined they were not “workers”.

UK delivery drivers have reportedly complained about a lack of clarity and a variety of payments for jobs which usually offer a flat rate minimum with an additional payment fee.

According to Rodeo - a data collation app that allows riders to compare their payments - earnings were slashed in 2022 and 2023 despite high inflation. Deliveroo does not permit its workers to upload their details to the app.

Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Callum Cant from the Internet Institute at the University of Oxford expressed his concerns regarding decreasing wages and a lack of consideration for workers, who he described as “invisible”.

A Deliveroo spokesperson told The Guardian, “Deliveroo aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections.

“Thousands of people apply to work with Deliveroo each month, rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us.”

A spokesperson for Uber Eats said, “We offer a flexible way for couriers to earn by using the app when and where they choose. We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app.”

Valentine’s Day strikes are reportedly planned in North America too with thousands of couriers intending to refuse to take orders and some intending to picket major airports and Uber’s San Francisco HQ.

Source: Yahoo

(Link and quotes via original reporting)