Strike action is due to take place on Wednesday evening.
Anyone planning on getting a romantic takeaway tonight might need to rethink their Valentine’s meal as delivery drivers across Ireland and further afield are planning a strike on Wednesday evening.
The planned action, which coincides with the UK and United States, is due to the rider’s pay reportedly dropping to as little as €1 per order.
Riders are due to meet at the Spire on O’Connell Street in Dublin at 5pm, where they will switch off their apps from 5pm until 10pm. Similar protests are due to take place in Galway and Cork.
Why you won’t be able to order delivery for Valentine’s tonight
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Wednesday morning, English Language Students’ Union of Ireland Labour Rights’ Officer Fiachra Ó Luain said riders are saying “Enough is enough”, as they’ve seen their rates continue to drop.
“They’ve seen their basic pay drop by 50% since the middle of the pandemic [in] 2021,” he told the radio show. “The number don’t jive anymore in terms of the cost of living crisis.”
While it is unknown how many delivery drivers, many of which are from Brazil and other South American countries, will join the protests tonight, it is estimated that there are around 3,000 working in Ireland.
In a statement to JOE, a spokesperson for Deliveroo, one of the main providers of takeaway delivery in Ireland, said: “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 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.”
Stand in solidarity with delivery riders worldwide this Valentine’s by boycotting @Deliveroo @JustEatIE and @UberEats who treat their workers with contempt. End this abusive relationship based on coercive control now before they enslave your children with their algorithms. @SIPTU pic.twitter.com/0MX7WrRsMR
— ELSU Ireland (@ElsuIreland) February 13, 2024
A spokesperson for Just Eat also responded to JOE’s request to comment by saying: “Just Eat takes the concerns of all couriers extremely seriously. Their welfare is important to us, and as such, we provide a highly competitive base rate to self-employed couriers and offer regular incentives to help them maximise their earnings.
“We continue to review our pay structure regularly and welcome any feedback from couriers.”
A spokesperson for Uber Eats has also been contacted for comment.
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