The platforms attracted thousands of workers, especially from France’s high-unemployment suburbs as well as students. But couriers who spoke with The New York Times now say that companies are recruiting more riders and that pay is getting worse. Couriers are required to apply as independent contractors so the companies can avoid expenses and taxes associated with full-time work.

Deliveroo faced strikes in France after changing its pay rate in 2017 from a fixed hourly rate plus commission to a flat €5 to €5.75 per delivery. Uber Eats riders held limited strikes during last year’s World Cup soccer tournament to protest what they said were poor wages and working conditions.

The companies dispute the claims about pay getting worse.

Uber Eats said couriers in France took home an average of €10 to €15 an hour during rush times from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m. Deliveroo and Stuart said their riders earned an average of €13 an hour. Glovo said its couriers earned about €10 an hour.

Couriers said in interviews that the official rates didn’t always reflect what they took home. They described a system in which pay by the food delivery platforms had fallen by 25 percent or more in the last several years, creating incentives to outsource.

Although the companies talk up their social responsibility policies, they still profit no matter who makes the deliveries, they said.

“Every year we earn less, we deliver less,” said Florent, a rider in his mid-20s who agreed to be identified by only his first name. “They change conditions by cutting wages or changing payment rules.”