By Ali Suker
This month has seen several strikes coordinated by food delivery drivers working for Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo over conditions and a recent court ruling.
The last strike was on Valentine’s Day which was sparked due to an outrage after a court ruled that food delivery drivers cannot be classed as workers and therefore cannot form a union. This legal battle has lasted over seven years and was led by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB).
Ajay Kumar, a 30-year-old delivery driver for Uber Eats, expressed his frustration with the current conditions these workers must face. “This decision is unjust, brother, I work the whole day today and only make £60. Pay is bad and we receive no support from the companies. We need a union; how can we not be ‘workers’ it’s all we do.”
According to the IWGB, a review conducted in 2021 found that some riders were earning as little as £2 per hour and claimed they would continue to fight for the rights of food delivery drivers “using all avenues available” to them and even considering their options under international law.
These strikes aren’t just affecting the companies who hire these delivery couriers, but frequent customers and restaurants that rely on takeaway to bring in revenue.
A frequent customer of Uber Eats, Jawad Muhammed, a 24-year-old graphic designer who works from home, found his life significantly impacted by these strikes. “I rely a lot on Uber Eats, mainly because I don’t know how to cook. My workload is busy I don’t have time to get myself a good lunch within an hour and I’ve barely been able to get a driver to deliver my food.”
The strikes have also impacted Emma Bartlett, a 35-year-old single mother. Emily, a nurse, often works long shifts at the local hospital and relies on food delivery services for her family’s meals. “After a 12-hour shift, I’m just too exhausted to cook. Apps like Deliveroo are a lifesaver, making sure my kids have a hot meal,” Emily said. With the ongoing strikes, she has found it increasingly difficult to arrange meals, often resorting to quick-fix options or facing long wait times.
The situation highlights the aspect of the freelance economy and how it is embedded in the daily lives of many people. For customers like Emily, these services are not just about convenience; they are about managing the demands of a busy life while ensuring her family’s needs are met.
This conflict poses a significant challenge for companies like Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo, who must balance the demands of their workers with the expectations of their customers.
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