Lieferando (Just Eat) riders marched to the German Government’s Economy Ministry in Berlin on Wednesday [20 May], calling on the government to introduce a direct employment mandate in the platform economy.
The protest came as Lieferando announced plans to cut 100 more staff in the company’s IT department in Berlin.
Last year, Lieferando fired 2,000 riders and moved to a sub-contracting model in some cities.
“More and more riders are employed in completely confusing subcontracting constructions – that means uncertain contracts, poor working conditions and uncertainty about who the responsibility lies with,” said Anja Piel from the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), which also joined the protest.
The NGG union and the Lieferando Workers’ Collective have called on the German government to introduce a direct employment mandate when transposing the Platform Work Directive, following the example of the German meat industry which has prohibited sub-contracting.
“We need binding rules now,” Mark Baumeister, NGG Head of Hospitality and a rider, said. “Anyone who does business in this country must also employ decently in this country – everything else is organised irresponsibility.”
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