Food delivery has become a popular option for many looking to earn some extra income or make ends meet. However, the reality of working in this industry is far from glamorous. The job is known for being very low-paid, offering zero job security, and being physically demanding, especially for those who do it on a bike. Many riders only last a few months in the sector before moving on to something else. But for a select few, the job holds a certain allure that keeps them coming back day after day, year after year.
One such rider is Shaf Hussain, who has been delivering food in London for eight years. Despite the physical toll the job has taken on his body, including multiple accidents and injuries, Hussain finds the adrenaline rush of weaving through rush-hour traffic on his bike to be addictive. For him, the job is more than just a means to an end; it’s a source of excitement and fulfillment.
However, the reality of the job is harsh. Over the years, pay rates for food delivery trips have steadily decreased, forcing many riders to work longer hours just to make ends meet. The gig economy offers little in terms of rights or protections for workers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by the companies they work for. This lack of security has led to a growing sense of solidarity among riders, with many turning to unions to advocate for better pay and working conditions.
In Berlin, a rider known as “Mo” found himself drawn to food delivery as a break from his previous organizing work. But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and demand for food delivery skyrocketed, Mo and his fellow riders faced new challenges around health and safety. In response, they formed the Lieferando Workers’ Collective and successfully won concessions from the company, including improved health and safety measures and the transition to permanent contracts for all riders.
In Copenhagen, Rasmus Hjorth’s experience as a rider took a different turn when he began advocating for better treatment of workers by his employer, Wolt. His efforts to organize a strike and push for collective bargaining ultimately led to his dismissal from the company. Undeterred, Hjorth found a new job at Just Eat and continued his union organizing efforts, building a strong community of riders who support each other in their fight for better working conditions.
These stories highlight the challenges and rewards of working in the food-delivery sector. While the job may be tough and the pay may be low, there is a sense of camaraderie and purpose among those who choose to stay. By coming together and advocating for their rights, riders like Hussain, Mo, and Hjorth are showing that change is possible, even in the gig economy. Their dedication to improving conditions for themselves and their fellow workers is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right.
