UberEats and restaurant workers strike over pay

By Sophie Witts

- Last updated on GMT

UberEats and restaurant workers strike over pay

Related tags tipping Strike action UberEats Restaurant Mcdonald's Fast food Jd wetherspoon

Workers at UberEats and several McDonald’s, JD Wetherspoon and TGI Fridays restaurants are holding strikes over pay today (4 October).

Staff are walking out in several cities while a rally is being held in London.

The BBC​ reports that workers at Wetherspoon, McDonald’s and TGI’s want to be paid £10 an hour.

UberEats drivers are calling on the app to pay £5 per delivery, and a further £1 per mile for each journey. The company reduced its minimum payment per delivery by 76p to £3.50 in September.

A McDonald’s spokesperson says: “All restaurants remain open as usual today despite frustrating attempts by protestors at a handful of locations to impact our customers, and our restaurant teams.

“This is the third attempt at action; and according to our records none of our people are on strike today. Any suggestion this activity is widespread and growing is not accurate – fewer restaurants, fewer employees involved and less support for the union from our people.”

UberEats defended its pay scheme and says its drivers often use their wages to “supplement” additional income.

“Last week couriers using our app in cities across the UK took home an average of £9-10 per hour during mealtimes, with many also using other delivery apps,” a spokesperson says.

“Making improvements in response to courier feedback is a top priority, such as the free sickness, injury, maternity and paternity insurance we recently introduced. Our door is always open for feedback and we host regular events with local couriers to discuss questions or address any issues they're having.”

JD Wetherspoon says it has increased pay rates by £20m in the year to July 2018, and they would rise a further £27m this year.

It says it has awarded £380m bonuses and free shares to employees since 2004.

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin says: “Everyone in the pub and restaurant industry works very hard and the late and early hours are extremely demanding.

“It is understandable that there is pressure on pay with low unemployment and a housing shortage.

“However, bonuses, free shares and other benefits should be taken into account in assessing pay.

“It’s easy to be cynical about business , but companies like McDonalds, TGI Fridays and thousands of other individuals and businesses make a big contribution to the economy, and provide valuable work and experience for many people.”

Staff at TGI’s went on strike earlier this year in protest to changes over its tipping policy.

TGI Friday’s has been contacted for comment.

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