[Australia] Delivery workers set to receive $31 per hour under new ‘world-leading’ rules

In Australia, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has approved new minimum standards requiring food and grocery delivery workers to be paid hourly rates above the national minimum wage and to have injury insurance coverage while on the job, Independent reports.

In an August 11 order, the FWC confirmed that under the new rules, gig workers will be paid at least A$31.30 per ⁠hour, above Australia's minimum wage of A$26.44, while remaining responsible for maintaining third-party insurance for vehicles used for deliveries.

Employers will reportedly be required to provide "a reasonable minimum level of cover" for personal accident insurance. The order did not specify a minimum level of coverage. It takes effect on August 17 and is expected to benefit around 250,000 workers.

Workers will be paid a minimum hourly rate for "engaged" time, covering ⁠the period between accepting a job and completing the delivery.

The order comes in the wake of the International Labour Organization's June decision to adopt the first binding employment standards for gig workers, which potentially give them rights around pay, safety and social benefits.

Those standards do still require ratification by governments.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) reportedly described FWC's order as "a landmark moment for the Australian gig economy."

In a joint statement with Uber Eats and DoorDash, Michael Kaine - TWU National Secretary - said, "Gig workers in Australia were left outside of our workplace systems for far too long. From Monday, they will be entitled to an absolute world-leading set of standards that we will build on over time."  

Uber Eats and DoorDash - a company which has been diversifying beyond restaurant deliveries - stated that the new rules would demonstrate that stronger worker protections and the flexibility that gig workers value can go hand in hand.

Source: Independent

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Australia, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has approved new minimum standards requiring food and grocery delivery workers to be paid hourly rates above the national minimum wage and to have injury insurance coverage while on the job, Independent reports.

In an August 11 order, the FWC confirmed that under the new rules, gig workers will be paid at least A$31.30 per ⁠hour, above Australia's minimum wage of A$26.44, while remaining responsible for maintaining third-party insurance for vehicles used for deliveries.

Employers will reportedly be required to provide "a reasonable minimum level of cover" for personal accident insurance. The order did not specify a minimum level of coverage. It takes effect on August 17 and is expected to benefit around 250,000 workers.

Workers will be paid a minimum hourly rate for "engaged" time, covering ⁠the period between accepting a job and completing the delivery.

The order comes in the wake of the International Labour Organization's June decision to adopt the first binding employment standards for gig workers, which potentially give them rights around pay, safety and social benefits.

Those standards do still require ratification by governments.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) reportedly described FWC's order as "a landmark moment for the Australian gig economy."

In a joint statement with Uber Eats and DoorDash, Michael Kaine - TWU National Secretary - said, "Gig workers in Australia were left outside of our workplace systems for far too long. From Monday, they will be entitled to an absolute world-leading set of standards that we will build on over time."  

Uber Eats and DoorDash - a company which has been diversifying beyond restaurant deliveries - stated that the new rules would demonstrate that stronger worker protections and the flexibility that gig workers value can go hand in hand.

Source: Independent

(Quotes via original reporting)