Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat delivery drivers go on strike in Basingstoke in row over pay

Services in Basingstoke such as Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats found themselves on the receiving end of a strike on Saturday, October 8. 

Drivers say they want better pay rates, payment for mileage driven, parking time tolerance, parking allowance and better treatment from restaurant staff.

The drivers, who wish to remain anonymous due to their "safety", spread across ASDA car park, McDonald's, Brighton Hill and McDonald's, Market Place.

A large group gathered and held banners displaying their message. 

One member of the strike, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The strike had a very large turnout. Our dissatisfaction is very high with the values practiced as we have people earning less than £7 per hour."

Drivers have also expressed concern over the apps latest Courier Terms, which they say no longer require drivers to have a background check. 

The terms read: "From 4 October 2022, if you appoint a substitute to perform deliveries on your behalf you will not need to inform Uber Eats. Your substitute will not be required to do a background check via Uber Eats, but you will still need to ensure that your appointed substitutes satisfy the basic safety conditions."

Another driver who contacted the Gazette said they were sorry for the disruption, but that it was neccessary for them to take a stand. 

They said: "We all deliver, but have had enough of under payments from these three companies (Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats).

"All prices go up like petrol food etc, but they put the prices down. For example for 6.5 miles with two food deliveries in different areas Just Eat was paying £6.50.

"Just to make you aware, more strikes will come until all these three companies pay properly. 

"We are sorry for the issues, we all hope clients understand our reasons as we all have family to feed, pay rent, bills etc."

Speaking earlier this week, Celon Butcher, who owns Global Kitchen Catering and Events in Basingstoke, said that several Deliveroo and Just Eat drivers had told him they would be striking. 

He said: "Drivers are telling me there is a big disgrunt at the moment on the Just Eat and Deliveroo network and from a restaurant perspective it is incredibly harmful."
Celon was told by drivers that at least 170 drivers were expected to strike.

Just Eat and Deliveroo have been contacted for comment.

A Deliveroo spokesperson said: "Almost 100,000 riders choose to work with Deliveroo. Deliveroo guarantees that all riders earn the national living wage plus costs while working, and the vast majority earn significantly more than that.

"We will engage with and listen to any issues raised by riders in relation to how they work with the platform."