Landmark case deems Deliveroo drivers ‘employees’

TRANSPORT Matters Pary leader and Victorian Member for Easter Metropolitan, Rod Barton is celebrating the outcome of an unfair dismissal case against Deliveroo calling it "just the beginning".

The tribunal ruled that Deliveroo’s contracted couriers are in fact employees with rights to a minimum wage. Deliveroo had kicked rider Diego Franco off the platform last year for alleged lateness. D

Mr Franco had been provided only seven days notice and was informed of his termination via email.

This ruling could mean Deliveroo may have to provide backpay for lost wages, Mr Barton said.

Mr Barton believes this ruling sets a powerful precedent for the future of the gig economy.

“For too long these huge rideshare multinationals have been able to enter the Victorian market, exploit our communities and line their pockets with our hard-earned cash," Mr Barton said. "This ruling will show that there are consequences to treating our most vulnerable as a means to end and failing to provide employees with basic workers' rights.

“The gig economy continues to be under-regulated, with vulnerable workers allowed to fall through the cracks. The fact that rideshare drivers are not paid an industry minimum wage, do not receive superannuation, sick days or insurance makes absolutely clear the need for more government regulation in this sector.

“The fight for basic workers' rights is not over, this is just the beginning.”

ends