When he started working as a food delivery rider two and a half years ago, Matthew was paid $14 per hour and $5 per delivery on a standard contract. Those were "the golden days".

Now riders get as little as $7 a delivery and $0 per hour. And some can be waiting up to two hours between delivery jobs. "These guys are making $14, $7 or $0 per hour," Matthew says.

Matthew, a counselling and psychotherapy student who has studied statistics, said he calculated that he was working 25 per cent more for 33 per cent less pay.

Food delivery driver Matthew says he's working 25 per cent more for 33 per cent less. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Matthew, who lives in Newtown, is among witnesses giving evidence of their working conditions to the Fair Work Commission, which is considering union calls for a $50 per week increase in the minimum wage. Employer groups have called for a below-inflation pay rise of just $12.50 per week, arguing businesses are under pressure.