Drivers refuse to deliver

DELIVEROO drivers from Geelong and Waurn Ponds refused to complete deliveries last night amid revelations some riders were earning as little as $10 an hour.

Food delivery drivers flocked to Boss Burger in Geelong West at 6pm, before refusing to complete deliveries for two hours.

The drivers said Deliveroo had slashed their pay with no explanation, and drivers were not informed how their pay rate was calculated.

Riders were paid about $18.50 an hour in 2016 but are now paid per delivery with no hourly rate, riders said.

A Geelong rider, who only wished to go by Michael, said he was protesting because Deliveroo had consistently cut his wages since he began.

“It used to be that we were paid around $20 per hour. Regardless of whether we got a delivery or not, we still got paid,” he said.

“So now, if it’s not busy, you don’t get paid.

“Some riders work 10 hours and get less than $100.”

Drivers are demanding Deliveroo raise the pay rate to at least $10 per job or $20 an hour, pay for their waiting time at restaurants while food is prepared and provide transparency about how their pay is calculated.

But a Deliveroo spokeswoman said Geelong riders were earning more than $22 per hour on average and it never promised to go below $8 an hour.

Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine said the work wasn’t flexible and was simply badly paid.

“Riders want to be paid for the time they work and they want guaranteed minimum rates,” he said.