Calls for shake-up of food delivery industry as survey reveals poor pay, job insecurity are rife

The food delivery industry is facing a renewed call for a shake-up, with the Transport Workers Union launching a campaign for better pay and conditions for employees. But operators such as Uber say the flexibility of the industry should not be affected by any changes.

A food delivery driver wearing a face mask rides their bicycle through the empty streets of Bondi, Sydney on 14 July 2021. Source: AAP

Click on the audio icon above to listen to this report in Gujarati.

The financial pressures in the economy are being felt by everyone, but the squeeze has hit food and parcel delivery and rideshare operators harder than most.

Transport Workers Union leaders and gig economy representatives have been lobbying at Parliament House pushing for greater regulation of the industry.

A McKell Institute survey of 1,000 transport workers has been released, showing 95 per cent of them want better conditions, and more protections in place to keep their jobs.

It also revealed that 76 per cent feel they are paid poorly for the work they do, and 65 per cent are worried about not earning while sick or injured.

And almost half say they fear having their accounts deactivated or suspended.

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