LAST UPDATE | 14 Feb
DELIVERY WORKERS FOR food apps Deliveroo, UberEats and Just Eat have taken part in strike action today. Dozens of riders gathered at the foot of the Spire on Dublin’s O’Connell Street.
The strike has been in effect since 5pm and is set to go on until 10pm. They joined delivery drivers across the UK and Europe who are partaking in similar action during the same time.
The English Language Students’ Union of Ireland (ELSU), which represents English language students in Ireland, said delivery workers have to “work longer and longer hours to survive economically”.
The ELSU added that drivers are “exposing themselves to more danger and spending less time studying and improving the language most of them came here to learn”.
It also alleged that the minimum payment per delivery is as low as €1 in some instances.
Stand in solidarity with delivery riders worldwide this Valentine’s by boycotting @Deliveroo @JustEatIE and @UberEats who treat their workers with contempt. End this abusive relationship based on coercive control now before they enslave your children with their algorithms. @SIPTU pic.twitter.com/0MX7WrRsMR
— ELSU Ireland (@ElsuIreland) February 13, 2024
Fiachra Ó Luain from the ELSU said Valentine’s Day is the “perfect opportunity to express love and appreciation for our fellow human beings”.
He added: “The plan of these platform companies is to make more and more workers economically vulnerable so that the next generation of workers are wage slaves with zero job security.”
Ó Luain has also called on “couples and individuals alike to make a conscious effort to delete these apps for Valentine’s Day”.
A number of political parties have voiced support for the delivery riders, including Sinn Féian and People Before Profit.
“It is imperative that food delivery platforms engage with delivery riders and their representatives regarding their concerns,” said Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly.
“It is also not realistic for platforms to maintain that workers do not want better pay and conditions when they have spent several years lobbying against EU legislation to improve the position of delivery riders and other platform workers.”
In a statement to The Journal, a spokesperson from Just East said that the “issue has not been brought to the attention of Just Eat Ireland, through our courier or restaurant network”.
“However we take the concerns of all couriers extremely seriously,” said the spokesperson. “Their welfare is important to us, and we welcome their feedback.”
The Just Eat spokesperson added that it “consistently engages with couriers through a number of channels while on a delivery, and offline messaging with courier support”.
Meanwhile, a Deliveroo spokesperson said it “aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections”.
The Deliveroo spokesperson added: “Rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us.
“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.”
Elsewhere, a spokesperson for Uber Eats said it offers “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,” they added.
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