Food delivery riders are going on strike this evening as part of an international protest against falling pay rates.
If you're thinking of ordering a takeaway this Valentine's Day you may want to think again.
Food delivery drivers in Dublin, Cork and Galway are expected to switch off their delivery apps this evening as part of an international protest over pay and working conditions.
Riders for UberEats, Deliveroo and Just Eat are staging a five-hour walkout from 5pm.
Those based in Dublin are set to protest at the Spire on O'Connell Street.
The action comes alongside similar protests in the UK and US.
English Language Students’ Union of Ireland Labour Rights' Officer Fiachra Ó Luain says pay rates have halved since the pandemic.
"It's happening in the USA, it's happening in the UK and riders across the world are saying, 'Enough is enough'," he said.
"They've seen their basic pay drop by 50% since the middle of the pandemic [in] 2021.
"The numbers don't jive anymore in terms of the cost of living crisis."
Fiachra says basic payment for a delivery has dropped from €4.29 before 2021 to as low as €1 now.
Working hours
Fiachara says companies claim their riders get minimum wage - but the workers say different.
"The time that is calculated as working time is between the restaurant and the customer."
"But that doesn't include the wait time, doesn't include the time that they have to go and collect to food.
"So, basically what could be an hour's work is calculated as about 20 minutes work.
"Very often people are really making about €2, €3, or €4 per hour".
Company response
The companies involved say they offer a flexible way for self-employed couriers to earn money and say the vast majority are satisfied working with them.
A Deliveroo spokesperson 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.”
JustEat also commented:
“We take the concerns of all couriers on the Just Eat network extremely seriously ... We provide a highly competitive base rate to self-employed couriers and have a good relationship with the vast majority of couriers across our network.”
And UberEats also spoke on the issue:
"We offer 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."
