'This is not fair payment': Food delivery workers in Cork and Dublin to strike on Valentine's night

Delivery workers across Ireland will switch off their delivery devices from 5pm to 10pm on what is one of the busiest nights for the hospitality sector

Food delivery riders in Cork staged a work stoppage on Valentine's Night to highlight their poor employment conditions. Attendees said there's approximately 73 working full-time as delivery riders for companies such as Just Eat and Deliveroo. Pic: Larry Cummins

Workers across several food delivery platforms will withdraw their services on one of the busiest nights of the year for the hospitality sector in protest of pay and working conditions. 

Couriers across both Cork and Dublin have said they will not work Valentine's evening, one of the most profitable nights for gig workers, joining protestors worldwide to draw attention to low pay along with insecure and often, dangerous conditions.

"We do not receive fair payment," says Cork delivery driver, Felipe Pessoa. The Brazilian, who moved to Ireland just over one year ago, is one of many workers who have committed to strike action. 

"Minimum pay is €2.90. Sometimes, I travel more than 2 kilometres for a delivery and that is all I am paid. It's just not fair."

Mr Pessoa said he works seven days per week and often during unsociable hours, adding that he delivers until 3 am most nights.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, another Cork worker, Lucas, said he often works more than 90 hours per week with no days off. Also from Brazil, he says the biggest problem for him is wages, adding that he is also only paid €2.90 for long journeys. 

"We have to get everybody together and tell these companies what we want. We need something better and for people to listen," he continued. 

The two will join dozens of food delivery workers across Cork who will switch off their devices between 5pm and 10pm on Valentine's Night.

'Ridiculous wages'

Supporting the protests, People Before Profit TD, Mick Barry said, “It is understood that food delivery workers are now paid as little as €1 per order in some cases. 

"€1 per delivery is a ridiculous wage at any time let alone in a cost of living crisis when many of these workers are still paying off loans on their bikes."

Food delivery workers on O'Connell Street are striking this Valentine's Day in protest at low pay. Picture: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

“I am calling on the general public to show a little love for these workers on Valentine's Day by boycotting Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats this evening," Mr Barry continued. 

Food delivery drivers in Ireland are classified as self-employed and are therefore not entitled to basic rights such as the minimum wage. In addition, they are not protected by the law as much as employed workers and belong to what has come to be known as the gig economy.

Speaking on the protest, Mr Pessoa said they have targeted Valentine's Day specifically, adding that is one of the busiest and often, most profitable nights of the year.

"It's the best pay. We are giving that up because of the delivery companies and the problems they have caused," Mr Pessoa. 

Restaurants dependent on deliveries

Speaking on the strikes, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), Adrian Cummins expressed concerns over the protests, adding that he was "conscious of how these planned strikes will impact businesses tonight."

This will hit restaurants that depend heavily on deliveries."

With an economy at full employment, Mr Cummins questioned why unhappy food delivery workers would not move job, adding that he "didn't understand" where they were coming from.

"There are many other jobs out there if they want to move, but I do hear their concerns," Mr Cummins added. "They provide a very valuable and relevant service to the industry so if there is any disruption, we will be conscious of that."

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for Just Eat said, “This issue has not been brought to the attention of Just Eat Ireland, through our courier or restaurant network. However, we take the concerns of all couriers extremely seriously. Their welfare is important to us, and we welcome their feedback.

“Just Eat consistently engages with couriers through a number of channels, including regular pulse surveys, emails, chat function in the app while on a delivery, and offline messaging with courier support.”

A spokesperson for Deliveroo said it "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," the spokesperson continued.