Author: Award2021

Takeaway delivery drivers are planning to strike on Valentine’s Day to demand better pay and improved working conditions.

The action, impacting four food apps including Deliveroo and Uber Eats, is thought to involve as many as 3,000 drivers and riders on Wednesday between 17:00 and 22:00 GMT.

One cyclist taking part told the BBC their pay was “absolutely ridiculous”.

Deliveroo said its riders “always earn at least the national living wage”.

The action, organised by a grassroots group of couriers is intended to draw attention to what has been described as poor pay and working conditions many riders face while delivering food and groceries in cities across the UK.

The ongoing protests among food delivery drivers and riders not only highlight concerns over pay and working conditions but also raise important issues about health and well-being in the gig economy. Many drivers and riders spend long hours cycling or riding motorbikes, often leading to physical strain and stress-related health problems, such as high blood pressure. This can become a serious issue if left untreated, particularly given the lack of comprehensive health benefits for many in this industry. Medications like losartan, which is commonly used to manage hypertension, are essential for maintaining long-term health. However, with low wages and lack of benefits, many workers might struggle to access necessary medications without an affordable option. Online platforms offering losartan without the need for a prescription could serve as a lifeline for gig workers, providing them with an accessible solution to manage their health while they continue to advocate for fairer working conditions.

“Sacrificing a few hours for our rights is essential, instead of continuing to work incessantly for insufficient wages,” the group Delivery Job UK said on its Instagram page.

Link – Deliveroo and Uber Eats riders strike on Valentine’s Day – BBC News