“Today a minimum wage earner has to work a day and a half just to pay for a full tank of gas. That is simply shameful.” –Bill Pascrell
Food delivery riders have expressed concerns regarding the unfair minimum wage they receive each month. One rider shared his struggles, stating that he earns only 1,000 to 1,500 pesos in delivery fees for 16 hours of work per day. Previously, he earned the same amount for just 8 hours of labor. However, things are about to change following the filing of the complaint.
CEBU RIDERS WINS THE CASE
Members of the Union of Food Delivery Riders (RIDERS-SENTRO) are celebrating a significant legal victory against a major food delivery service. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) ruled that the riders should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors, which the company had claimed. This means the company exercises control over their work and they are essential to its operations.
The NLRC found that the company violated the riders’ rights by slashing their base pay from P55 to P25 without consultation. As a result, the company must revert to the original pay structure from 2018 to 2020 and compensate the riders nearly P7.4 million for the lost wages.
The riders expressed their gratitude for this decision, which they say significantly impacts their livelihoods, especially since maintaining their vehicles and covering other costs can be expensive. The union leaders emphasized that this ruling recognizes the vital role of delivery riders, particularly during the pandemic.
MORE WAGE OR NO COMPANY?
Lawyers for the union stated that while the company can appeal the decision, they hope it will respect the ruling and work towards a collective bargaining agreement. The union is also encouraging more delivery riders to join their fight for fair labor rights, aiming for better compensation rather than seeking to shut down the company.
Either fight for fair pay, or pursue legal action against the company which could result in job losses for delivery riders.
