Valentine’s Day was marked by more than romantic gestures this year as delivery drivers across the UK took to the streets in a coordinated strike that disrupted services for several major food delivery apps, including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Stuart.com. The group behind the action, Delivery Jobs UK, called for better working conditions and rights for couriers, who are often seen competing for jobs across these platforms.
The strike had a significant impact in Brighton, where popular fast-food outlets like McDonald’s, KFC, and numerous supermarkets were unable to process orders through the affected apps. Demonstrating a strong show of unity, dozens of riders gathered at Madeira Drive on Brighton’s seafront at 5 pm before embarking on a city-wide ride. Their route took them past several food outlets they typically deliver for, bringing attention to their cause and the reliance of both businesses and consumers on their services.
In response to the strike, Deliveroo issued a statement highlighting the benefits it offers its riders, including self-employment status, flexible work arrangements, and additional protections such as free insurance, sickness cover, support for new parents, and various training opportunities. They emphasized high rider retention rates and satisfaction among their couriers.
Similarly, an Uber Eats spokesperson addressed the situation by underscoring the flexibility their platform provides to couriers, allowing them to choose when and where to work. They noted that the majority of couriers express satisfaction with their experience on the app and mentioned ongoing efforts to engage with couriers to further improve their working experience.
The strike on Valentine’s Day brings to the forefront the ongoing debate around the gig economy and the conditions under which people work in it. While the companies involved stress the flexibility and benefits provided, the actions taken by the couriers underline a demand for greater security and improved terms of employment.
