Delivery drivers working for four takeaway apps, including Deliveroo and Uber Eats, are preparing to strike on Valentine’s Day as they push for better pay and working conditions, the BBC has reported.
The strike action, which will include 3,000 delivery drivers and riders across four apps including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat and Stuart, is expected to take place between 5pm and 11pm on Wednesday, February 14.
The strike intends to bring attention to poor pay and working conditions faced by riders. An Instagram group behind the strike named Delivery Job UK claims that delivery riders are braving the “cold, rain and absurd distances” for deliveries paying “ridiculous values” ranging from £2.80 to £3.15.
Deliveroo riders want this figure to increase to a minimum of £5. Other apps use different pricing policies.
Delivery Job UK said: “Sacrificing a few hours for our rights is essential, instead of continuing to work incessantly for insufficient wages.
“Our request is simple: we want fair compensation for the work we do. We are tired of being exploited and risking our lives every day… It’s time for our voices to be heard.”
The news comes after Deliveroo and Ann Summers joined forces to bring customers rapid delivery of sexual wellness products in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.
In a statement to the BBC, Deliveroo said: “Deliveroo aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections. Rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us. We value dialogue with riders, which is why we have a voluntary partnership agreement with a trade union, which includes annual discussions on pay.
“We are pleased to also be able to offer riders free insurance, sickness cover, financial support when riders become new parents and a range of training opportunities.”
Just Eat said it provided “a highly competitive base rate to self-employed couriers and also offer[s] regular incentives to help them maximise their earnings”.
“We continue to review our pay structure regularly and welcome any feedback from couriers.”
Stuart said it also was “committed to providing competitive earnings opportunities for courier partners”, while Uber Eats declined to comment.
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