A December Actuaries Institute podcast pointed out that gig workers have “no employment rights under the Commonwealth Fair Work Act to legal minimum pay rates, sick leave, or unfair dismissal protections”.
Its research confirmed previous findings that gig economy workers are over-represented in sections of the workforce with less bargaining power — students, those who have been unemployed and young people.
The death of five meal delivery riders in two months at the end of last year shone the spotlight on delivery riders’ conditions.
Another delivery rider was seriously injured on March 12. The 20-year-old was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries after being hit by a car in Sydney’s south.
TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said on February 20 that the court ruling is “unequivocal” and that it has “implications for Australian law”. Gig economy workers have rights, he said.
The TWU wants the government to legislate to recognise the rights of rideshare drivers and food delivery riders. It said the need is urgent because of “delivery riders dying on the roads and rideshare drivers being ripped off”. The union wants an independent tribunal to ensure workers have the rights and protections they are entitled to.
The TWU, rideshare drivers and food delivery riders visited federal MPs on February 22 to discuss the British court decision.