Thousands of drivers for ride-hailing services in the UK are striking for five hours on Valentine’s Day — a historically popular night for takeaway services — to demand better pay and improved working conditions.
The strike is impacting companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Stuart.com, and involves 3,000 drivers and riders.
Organised by a grassroots group, Delivery Job UK, the strike aims to draw attention to the working conditions.
App-based delivery drivers are usually classified as self-employed contractors, meaning their employers are not legally obliged to pay them the statutory ‘national living wage’ of £10.42 per hour, which is due to increase to £11.44 in April.
Delivery Job shared a post on X, stating: “This Valentine’s Day strike highlights the growing tensions between gig economy workers and the platforms they work for. As consumers, it’s critical to consider the conditions under which our conveniences are delivered.”
On the group’s Instagram page, they shared a statement: “Sacrificing a few hours for our rights is essential, instead of continuing to work incessantly for insufficient wages.”
The strike is planned between 17:00 and 22:00 GMT.
In November, the Supreme Court ruled that Deliveroo workers were not ‘workers’ and could not form a union, following a long-running battle by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain for the right to unionise and bargain on their behalf.
The organisation said delivery riders wanted an increase to a minimum of £5.
A Deliveroo spokesperson told Sky News: “Deliveroo aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections.
“Rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us.
“We value dialogue with riders, which is why we have a voluntary partnership agreement with a trade union, which includes annual discussions on pay.
“We are pleased to also be able to offer riders free insurance, sickness cover, financial support when riders become new parents and a range of training opportunities.”
The action will extend beyond the UK.
In the US, delivery drivers are planning strike action for two hours in major cities including Chicago, Miami, and Philadelphia according to Justice for App Workers, which says it represents more than 130,000 app drivers.
