Photo credit; Toronto Today
Hundreds of food delivery couriers temporarily stopped working on Monday to protest their living conditions – and to deliver a letter of their demands to Uber.
Toronto Today reports that the demonstration began at Nathan Phillips Square and proceeded to Uber’s office on Bloor Street. The demonstration was organized by Delivery Drivers United, a group of over 900 food delivery workers who ride or drive for various app delivery companies, including Uber.
At the demonstration, workers told Toronto Today they are fed up with low pay, unsafe working conditions, and feeling disrespected by the companies they work for.
As they rode up University Avenue, workers participated in a call-and-response chant.
As riders went past, some workers at shops along University Avenue came to watch or take photos of the demonstration.
In an interview, Sayeed Mirza, who has been a food delivery driver in Toronto for about two years, said he believes the app companies are treating workers as though they are “fools.” In the leter of demands delivered to Uber, workers said pay rates are “unlivable.”
When contacted by Toronto Today, Uber Canada spokesperson said, “We appreciate delivery people raising what matters to them. We have a common goal for transparency, safe working conditions, and respectful treatment for delivery people.”
Last summer, a provincial law came into force that requires app-based delivery companies to pay workers minimm wage ($17.95 per hour) for the hpurs spent delivering items – but some workers allege that’s not happening.
Under the law, the app companies are not required to pay at the minimum wage per delivery, nor are they required to pay workers for time spent waiting for their next delivery.
Companies are however required to pay workers a “top up” if, over the course of a given pau period, an individual’s pay does not exceed the minimum wage rate based on time spent on active delivery.
In an interview with Toronto Today, employment lawyer Ryyan O’Connor said workers who belteve they have been underpaqid can file a complaint with the Ministry oof Labour or seek support from a lawyer.
