Riders of Ireland: Speaking Up for Our Rights and Safety

Dear Riders of Ireland community,

I am excited to be part of the upcoming event on May 24th in London, where I will proudly represent the Riders of Ireland. I wanted to take a moment to share our concerns and demands regarding our work with Deliveroo, as well as our safety on the job.

Working as riders on the streets has been challenging, especially when considering the stark contrast between our earnings and the millions of dollars that Deliveroo has accumulated. We find ourselves in a position where a tech giant thrives on the hard work we put in day in and day out.

In light of this, we have been actively discussing and contemplating the best way to address our concerns to the company’s management. Our community has held meetings and discussions, which have shed light on additional issues that impact our daily work as riders.

Our primary demand is to have the right to work independently with our own accounts. We seek clarity on what Deliveroo defines as a substitute rider and how this affects our autonomy.

Safety is a critical concern for us. Regrettably, many riders have fallen victim to attacks, and we mourn the loss of a dear friend who was tragically involved in a collision with joyriders. Furthermore, bike theft has become an unfortunate reality we face daily. While the company provides us with bags and equipment once a year, we need comprehensive measures to ensure our safety throughout the year.

Another pressing matter is the prevalence of bogus self-employment within our community. Account holders have been renting bike and motorbike accounts for 50 euros and 100 euros, respectively. Unfortunately, after years of evading taxes, the Revenue of Ireland has begun sending letters to some account holders. This development has caused panic, leading many to abandon renting accounts altogether. Consequently, there is now a scarcity of available accounts, leaving some riders in significant debt. To compound matters, the new pricing structure requires a fixed amount payment alongside a percentage of our income to cover taxes, making it increasingly challenging to meet our basic living expenses.

We believe it is essential to address these concerns to the bosses at Deliveroo on behalf of the riders in Ireland. By working together, we can strive for improved working conditions, enhanced safety measures, and a fair and equitable system for all riders.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of this vital conversation. Together, we can bring about positive change that benefits us all.