United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_According to organisers, Britain’s couples could have to struggle for last minute meals and Valentine’s Day gifts following a strike by Amazon staff strike over pay Tuesday, soon to be joined by takeaway delivery drivers.
Organisers have stated that disheartened workers for food apps which include Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat will walk out on Valentine’s Day on 14th February.
Grouping together some of the sector’s workforce, Instagram account Delivery Jobs UK, has urged meal and shopping platform couriers to strike on 14th February between 1700 GMT and 2200 GMT.
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That is the time when the appetite for speedily-delivered Valentine’s Day evening meals is expected to surge across Britain for individuals who want to avoid the hassle of cooking.
Meanwhile the GMB trade union has called a three-day strike this week at Amazon’s giant facility in Coventry, central England, which will span from Tuesday to Thursday.
This week’s walkouts come amidst broader United Kingdom industrial unrest as workers’ pay fails to keep pace with elevated prices, with the latest inflation data due on 14th February, Valentine’ Day which is celebrated by most people.
Delivery drivers and riders are striking for better pay in Britain. Britain’s couples could struggle for last minute Valentine’s Day gifts and meals after Amazon staff went on strike over pay Tuesday — and will soon be joined by takeaway delivery drivers, organisers said
The GMB trade union has meanwhile called a three-day strike this week at Amazon’s giant facility in Coventry, central England, spanning from Tuesday to Thursday.
A Brazilian courier named Ulisses, who declined to give his surname for fear of reprisals, is one of the organisers of Delivery Jobs UK, which unites 4,000 mostly foreign workers who are mostly Brazilian.
Ulisses told AFP in an interview that the choice of Valentine’s Day for the strike was strategic, aimed at maximising visibility and impact. He further went on to say that Valentine’s Day was one of the busiest days for delivery services, with a high demand for meal deliveries.
Wednesday’s strike also coincides with the publication of the latest official UK inflation data for January.
Couriers are demanding fair treatment for their “critical role”, particularly after they helped feed the nation during Covid pandemic lockdowns.
Ulisses added that by striking on this day, they aimed to highlight the critical role delivery workers play in the economy and the importance of fair compensation and working conditions.
This action was a call to both the companies and the public to recognise and address the unsustainable earnings that have become all too common in the delivery industry.
Delivery Jobs UK’s membership also comprises Britain-based delivery staff from other coultries which include Albania, Nigeria and Romania.
Ulisses informed AFP that the idea was to break the supply chain while creating chaos, as so many customers complain, thereby forcing employers to address their concerns.
Organisers desire to encourage blockades to stop the collection of food orders in a peaceful protest.
His workers’ pressure group is calling for a minimum fee of GBP5 ($6.30) per meal delivery, compared with the current rate of between GBP2.80 and GBP4 depending on the platform.
He added that they asked them to share the wealth as they believe that this (level of pay) will cover inflation.
Back in Coventry, the GMB wants retail titan Amazon to pay its staff a improved wage of GBP15 per hour.
The GMB issued a statement indicating that this marked the first three days in a fresh wave of industrial action after workers overwhelmingly voted to back an extension of strikes earlier this year.
