On 14th February, delivery drivers from Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats united for a strike in London, Brighton and across the West Midlands, highlighting critical issues of pay and working conditions in the gig economy. This event underscores the increasing concerns among delivery personnel for fair compensation and transparent working practices.
With an estimated 3,000 participants, the strike took place at strategic locations, including McDonald’s in Brighton, serving as a protest against the declining real-terms pay and the opaque algorithms determining earnings. The presence of law enforcement was noted as drivers and riders rallied to voice their demands.
Analysis of Pay Trends in the Gig Economy
Research provided by Rodeo reveals a concerning trend: a decline in pay per order for drivers associated with major delivery services, adjusted for inflation, with real-terms earnings falling between 8.4% and 13.8%. Just Eat and Stuart experienced the most significant pay decreases, yet offered higher per-order rates compared to their counterparts. This decrease in earnings, set against the backdrop of a soaring cost of living, spotlights the financial strains on gig workers.
Company Responses and the Path Forward
In reaction to the strike, Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats reaffirmed their commitment to providing flexible work arrangements and competitive compensation. However, the strike reveals a profound disconnect between the delivery platforms and their workforce, calling for more meaningful measures to address workers’ concerns.
The strike serves as a pivotal moment for the UK’s gig economy, advocating for accountability, fairness, and regulatory reform to protect gig workers. As discussions evolve, the actions of Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats, and their delivery personnel will be keenly observed by stakeholders within and beyond the gig economy.
