So it turns out Deliveroo has its very own dictionary -- in its world “independent suppliers” (staff) are “on-boarded” (hired) to work on “availability” (shifts). The thing is, we’re just not buying it.
This is just another in a long list of tactics corporations like Deliveroo use to avoid treating its staff fairly. Calling workers “independent suppliers” means no to sick pay, no holiday pay and no rights at work.
Right now, we’re seeing an overhaul in the way we work. As the gig economy continues to see exponential growth, we need to stand up for our rights in the workplace now -- and not let this new generation of corporations trample all over them.
Deliveroo: your riders are the heart of your company. They deserve employment rights and fair working conditions!
Deliveroo, which launched from a London flat in 2013, has seen its stock soar in recent years. But its delivery riders have been left out of this success story, with stories emerging of terrible working conditions, and staff earning less than minimum wage.
Riders held strike action last year in protest against a new contract, which could have seen them take home less than half of what they already do.
With this latest attempt to circumvent employment laws, Deliveroo has stepped worryingly into doublespeak territory. We can’t let them shirk their obligations to their workers -- who are the lifeblood of the company.
Last year, when T-Mobile tried to stop its workers from unionising, over 30,000 of us got together to tell them to treat their workers fairly. Now, with Deliveroo using every trick in the book to deny its workers fair compensation and rights, we need to come together again and let it know whose side we’re on.
Deliveroo: enough doublespeak -- recognise your riders rights as employees. It’s the right thing to do!
More information
The Guardian. 15 August 2016.
The Guardian. 5 April 2017.