GRETA STONEHOUSE
Australian Associated Press
May 16, 2018
A food delivery rider has told a Sydney protest his wages have dropped significantly over the two-and-a-half years he’s been riding for one of the major delivery companies in Australia.
Wednesday’s protest was held ahead of riders and the Transport Workers Union appearing at the Fair Work Commission’s annual review of award wages.
“When I started two and half years ago the standard contract was $14 an hour and $5 dollars a delivery,” rider Matt told reporters.
“Those are now looked at as the golden old days. I now know riders that are doing $7 a delivery and zero dollars an hour – these guys are making $14, $7 or zero dollars an hour.”
TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon said the major food delivery companies were practising “wage theft” and wanted the Fair Work Commission to protect riders.
“We need to make sure we have a system in this country that works for everybody,” Mr Sheldon told reporters.
“Deliveroo, Foodora and Uber Eats are really carrying out wage theft.
“They’re stealing from hardworking people, who are delivering to our homes right around our country, by underpaying them.”
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