Deliveroo riders in Dublin are going on strike this evening.
The delivery workers are demanding safer working conditions and improved delivery fees.
It is unclear how many riders are taking part in the strike.
In a social media post, they said their main concern is the “extremely low” delivery fees, which they say were “drastically reduced” by the company last month.
They said the fall in fees forces them to spend more time in the saddle for less money.
They also point to a lack of security in the job, claiming that three riders were attacked in the city this week alone.
They are calling on calling on Gardaí to "take them seriously" when bicycles are stolen or workers are abused.
Dublin Deliveroo drivers are striking from 6pm tonight
They’re asking Deliveroo for better working conditions security, delivery fees & value standards
They’re looking to be taken seriously by Gardai when their bikes are stolen or they’re attacked/abused #DeliverooRidersStrike
— Chimac Dublin (@ChimacDublin) January 22, 2021
Garret Fitzgerald, owner of ‘Chimac’ on Aungier Street is removing his restaurant from the app for the evening in solidarity with the riders.
“I mean, they have been working incredibly hard for the last ten months and keeping everybody essentially saine,” he said.
“I just don’t think they are getting the recognition they deserve. They are integral to our business and integral to so many businesses.
“We really respect them. They are essentially like our co-workers; that is how we view them and if they are not being treated well, that is not good for our business.”
The strike will begin at 6pm this evening, with riders turning off their apps for the rest of the night.
Deliveroo
A Deliveroo spokesperson said rider safety is “an absolute priority” insisting the company “takes every step to ensure they feel safe when on the road.”
He said the company offers riders free insurance and plans to introduce “free personal safety alarms” for all riders in Ireland to use in an emergency.
The spokesperson also said it is “incorrect” to suggest rider pay has been drastically reduced, insisting that average rider pay has increased since the pandemic began.
He said, on average, riders earn above the national minimum wage and an average of €13 per hour at busy times, when tips are included.
He said Deliveroo “works closely with the police and authorities to help protect riders and resolve any security issues they face, such as theft.”
