Employees of food delivery companies such as Foodora and Deliveroo are the target of a new workers’ rights campaign aimed at determining whether those working in the increasing popular industry are the ones being taken for a ride.

The Rights for Riders campaign, developed through the Young Workers Centre in partnership with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, hopes to improve pay rates, job security, occupational safety and other conditions for food delivery riders in Melbourne.

Keelia Fitzpatrick from the Young Workers Centre said that like Uber, Foodora and Deliveroo appeared to be employing their riders as independent contractors rather than employees.

“This means these riders are not covered by minimum wages or awards and can’t access basic conditions such as sick leave if they can’t go to work due to illness, or WorkCover if they get injured on the job,” she said.

“We are hoping this campaign will help us explore these and other concerns so we can consider the legal avenues available to any workers who are being exploited.”

The Young Workers Centre helps young people organise in their workplaces and stand up for their rights at work. The Young Workers Centre also provides free, confidential legal advice to young workers and education programs to schools and youth groups.

Delivery riders for Foodora and Deliveroo who are interested in getting involved in the campaign are urged to register with the Young Workers Centre at www.youngworkers.org.au/rights4riders

Media contact:
Keelia Fitzpatrick, Young Workers Coordinator: 0421 576 481