Skip to main content

Uber and Deliveroo reminded their workers are paid poverty wages

IWGB hits out at gig economy employers after they offer free rides and food to NHS staff

GIG-ECONOMY companies Uber and Deliveroo were reminded that their own staff are on poverty pay today after the firms offered free rides and food to NHS staff.

Car-travel provider Uber is to give 200,000 free trips and 100,000 meal vouchers to NHS staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company said it will cover workers’ meals and journeys to help reduce the pressure on the “heroes” helping patients.

Food-delivery firm Deliveroo has also pledged to give 500,000 free meals to NHS workers.

However, the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) union noted that the companies’ generosity does not extend to their own drivers and riders.

IWGB branch secretary Greg Howard, a Deliveroo rider, said: “It’s great that Uber and Deliveroo are assisting some front-line workers, but its own workers are still being failed by the companies.

“Their coronavirus sick-pay policies, at £100 a week, pay around the same as universal credit, and some Deliveroo riders that had to self-isolate before March 21 are still being denied even these measly payments.

“Workers that are now facing deeper poverty because of the drop in demand for rides and deliveries are being offered no assistance by their employers.

“The companies’ contempt for their workers is such that they have even denied the IWGB’s demand that their front-line workers be regularly tested for Covid-19.

“Riders and drivers are going above and beyond during this crisis to feed and transport people. They are overdue some basic protections and respect from their employers.”

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today