Delivery riders need real rights at work

Media Release - May 14, 2019

ACTU Secretary Sally McManus will address a rally of food delivery riders outside Uber headquarters in Sydney today calling for them to have the right to negotiate a fair deal with companies they work for.

A survey of riders carried out last year has shown three out of four riders are paid below minimum rates. Almost 50% of riders had either been injured on the job or knew someone who had been injured. Three delivery riders have been killed in Australia.

People working in the food delivery industry should have basic rights to negotiate a fair deal with their employers.

Under our current system they are prevented from doing so because the multi-nationals who own the food delivery platforms are treating them like companies instead of people.

Just as owner drivers in the trucking industry must have fair pay, safe rates and safe working conditions, riders must be able win a fair deal.

WHAT:  Food delivery riders will deliver an invoice to Uber headquarters in Sydney today demanding millions of dollars in unpaid wages, superannuation, sick leave, annual leave and compensation when injured on the job.

WHO:  Food delivery riders, ACTU secretary Sally McManus, TWU on-demand co-ordinator Tony Sheldon, Bijay Sapkota, National President at Council of International Students Australia

WHEN/WHERE: 3pm Tuesday May 14th. Uber offices, 580 George St, Sydney

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Judith Crosbie 0432552895


Quotes attributable to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:

“We need to change the rules so working people can get a fair deal.

“People who are working for food delivery services are being denied their rights. They’re using 21st-century technology but they have 19th-century rights.

“We need to change the rules so people can negotiate fair pay, safe rates, safe work conditions and more secure jobs.”

The ACTU Network

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