Food delivery workers in Dublin are to strike this evening demanding better pay from apps such as Deliveroo, UberEats and Just Eat.
The action will be staged between 5pm and 10pm and will coincide with similar demonstrations in the UK, US and across Europe.
It is not clear how many Dublin-based workers will take part in the action, and what level of impact it will have on food deliveries, on what would traditionally be a busy evening for St Valentines Day.
The striking workers are represented by the English Language Students’ Union of Ireland (ELSU).
It claims that between 2019 and 2021, the minimum payment per delivery in Ireland reduced from €4.29 to €2.90 and is now down to as little as €2.15 or even just €1 per delivery.
The striking workers are being urged to gather at 5pm at the Spire on O’Connell Street this evening.
“St Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to express love and appreciation for our fellow human beings,” said Fiachra Ó Luain, Labour Rights’ Officer, ELSU.
“Members of the public are urged to express their support in practical ways as well as bring these important issues up with their elected representatives,” he added.
A Just Eat spokesperson said the company takes the concerns of its 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,” the spokesperson said.
“We continue to review our pay structure regularly and welcome any feedback from couriers,” Just Eat said.
A Deliveroo spokesperson it aims to provide riders with flexible work, 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,” Deliveroo said.
Uber Eats said it offers a flexible way for couriers to earn by using the app when and where they choose.
“We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app, and we regularly engage with couriers to look at how we can improve their experience,” a spokesperson said.
