Delivery App Riders: The Tyranny of Time and the Fight for Fair Pay
The working life of a delivery app rider is punctuated by the relentless ticking of the clock. From the time it takes to make a delivery, to the time a rider can take a much-needed break – time is everything. But for Ulisses Cioffi, a rider and part of a group that organized the recent Valentine’s Day strike, time determines not only his schedule, but also his earnings. He explains, “I can safely make three deliveries in an hour, which amounts to just under £12. But sometimes, we can’t even make that.” Every second counts, and any obstacle along the way translates into a loss of income – be it roadworks, delays in busy restaurants, or even customers who take a shower after placing an order.
The plight of these delivery app riders goes beyond time constraints. The big delivery apps have not only reduced the fees paid to drivers, but have also removed peak hour boosts, which were previously paid during heavy rain or on the weekends. Cioffi highlights the impact of these changes, stating, “I know experienced drivers who are now working 10 or 11 hours a day and making £105.” Frustration mounted among riders as they realized their income was being squeezed, prompting them to organize and go on strike.
One of the main motivations behind these strikes is the inability to influence anything other than pay. Despite the challenges they face, riders have no control over their working conditions. Theft of food from their bikes is common, and lack of sick pay means they often work through illnesses. Cioffi shares stories of riders with broken limbs who are still working because they cannot afford to take time off. The promise of being “your own boss” that comes with these gig economy roles is nothing but a facade. While flexibility is touted as a benefit, it becomes meaningless when there is inadequate pay. As self-employed individuals, riders cannot set aside money for basic privileges such as a pension, sick pay, holiday pay, or parental leave.
In reality, the gig economy functions to transfer wealth and cut rights to the bone in order to maximize profit margins. The logistical nature of these companies’ services necessitates minimizing the cost of labor. Engineers, financial officers, management, and admin support must be paid and retained, while riders and drivers bear the brunt of the expenses. In addition to providing their own vehicles, riders are responsible for insurance and maintenance costs. They are even expected to retrieve stolen bikes, acting as their own police, using tracking devices provided by the delivery app companies.
For this exploitative model to persist, there must be a high demand that outweighs any concerns about its feasibility. The convenience, affordability, and time-saving aspects of these delivery apps are appealing to consumers who are already strapped for time. In the UK, where long working hours are the norm, the appeal of having groceries or meals delivered within minutes is undeniable, even if it comes with a higher price tag.
While consumers cannot be blamed for the exploitative practices of these companies, the responsibility lies with legislators to enforce regulations. Currently, almost 11% of the workforce in the UK is engaged in zero-hours and insecure working arrangements. The Labour party’s new deal for working people, which promises to ban zero-hours contracts, has faced criticism for potentially imposing “significant costs” on businesses. This brewing confrontation exposes how the viability of many businesses relies on the denial of basic rights to their employees. As Cioffi puts it, the business model itself demands exploitation. With every strike and every harrowing story shared by riders like him, it becomes increasingly difficult for society to turn a blind eye to these injustices.
In the end, it is clear that time is not the only thing these delivery app riders are fighting for – they are fighting for fair pay, better working conditions, and the right to be treated as more than just expendable resources.
Analyst comment
This news can be evaluated as negative. The market for delivery app riders is likely to face increased scrutiny and regulation as more attention is drawn to their unfair pay and working conditions. Public sentiment may turn against the companies that exploit these workers, potentially leading to increased pressure for change and improved rights for riders.
