At 5pm on Sunday 15 September, a large number of Deliveroo riders assembled outside POP Brixton – not to collect food to deliver, but instead to unite and reject orders in protest of Deliveroo’s deteriorating conditions and ever-falling wages.

The riders all have a similar story: since starting work for Deliveroo a few years ago pay has nosedived and now they see no other option but to take action.

The riders’ complaints have fallen on deaf ears. The only response they get to emails appealing the low wage is an automated email justifying the change.

One rider Aissa explained he can’t cope:

I feel like a slave, I’ve had so many accidents, I’m still in pain from a back injury I suffered when I was hit by a car last year, the wages just aren’t worth the risk.

Since Deliveroo have chosen to classify them as independent contractors, these riders aren’t entitled to any of the minimum conditions employees receive: minimum wage, holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions and other rights that protect them.

Instead, Deliveroo insist they are running their own businesses and deprive them of the basic rights of holiday pay, pensions and the right to minimum wage that comes with being classified as a limb b worker.

First strike

For those living on the breadline, losing a day’s pay is critical and this highlights how far these riders have been pushed. Strike action is a last resort. The strike was self-organised and spawned from sheer necessity.

They are just normal people asking for a fair deal and to not be exploited.

The strike was clearly a success as the waiting time for orders from popular restaurants like KFC and Creams increased to 50-60 mins.

Deliveroo tried to paper over the cracks by feigning ‘high demand’ but as riders from other areas were offered boosts to come to the Brixton area, it was clear the company were desperately scrambling to meet demands.

More strikes coming

The striking riders were encouraged by the effect of the strike and have more planned for this weekend and for as long as it takes to see a change.

There was a strike in Reading last Friday and there is a big one planned in Bristol on Saturday as riders are forced to take action to desperately try and salvage their livelihoods. Riders are gaining confidence and will not be deterred. Momentum is growing.

What is clear is these riders need our support. A few years ago when Ritzy cinema workers took strike action calling for the Living Wage the community of Brixton stood strong behind them. Let’s do the same for these guys.

The “gig” economy claims innovation of how people will be employed in future generations, but the only innovation to come from it is how to find loopholes in the law to deprive workers of basic workers rights and drive down the price of labour. We need to put a stop to this!

Next strike

Riders will be striking in Brixton again this Sunday, 22nd Sept 2019, assembling from 5pm outside KFC on Brixton Road and POP Brixton, Station Road, Brixton SW9.

Show your support by coming down and joining the strike. Tell friends and family and send a message of support on social media.

[This article by Alex Marshall, Chair, IWGB Courier and Logistics branch, who added, “this was not an IWGB organised strike but follow the IWGB_CLB on twitter, facebook and instagram for more news of couriers fighting back”]