Food delivery riders protest  reduction in base fare

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Around 50 delivery riders of GrabFood Philippines based in Iloilo hit the streets to protest what they called “the ironic policy” the company has recently implemented.

While motorists continue to feel the brunt of fuel prices, GrabFood allegedly reduced the base rate of its delivery charge from P49 to P28.

After deduction, the riders would get around P25.

“We’re on the losing end. Gasoline prices are still increasing but our base fare was reduced,” Ernie, a GrabFood rider of two years, said in Hiligaynon.

At around 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept 5, several GrabFood riders, gathered at Pison Avenue in Mandurriao district and held a motorcade going to General Luna Street in City Proper district.

They temporarily stopped under the flyover fronting the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV)-Iloilo City campus before proceeding to the GrabFood office in Molo district.

Ernie said they wanted to encourage their fellow riders to stop taking bookings even for a few hours.

Around 500 riders in Iloilo partnered with GrabFood.

Other riders who did not participate in the motorcade opted not to go on duty and stayed home.

“We’re doing this to encourage our fellow riders to join us for this cause,” he said.

Jun, another GrabFood rider, claimed that they could usually take home around P1,000 if they go on duty for 15 hours.

“If you deduct our fuel and good consumption, we could earn a minimum wage for workers who render 8 hours of work,” he said in vernacular.

Western Visayas’ minimum wage is at P450 per day following an increase of P55 per day effective June 2022.

“We have to do that under the heat of the sun or by braving rains,” Jun said.

He added that maintenance of their personal vehicle was not even factored in on their income.

“If we figured in an accident, we have to personally undergo a tedious process to get our claims,” he said.

Ernie and Jun claimed that it wasn’t the first that the group of riders raised the issue with GrabFood management in Iloilo.

The company would usually assure them that their concerns are being brought up to the national office but it has still not been acted upon.

Other food delivery riders all over the country have also complained about what they claimed as unfavorable working conditions.

Riders from Food Panda also raised their concerns and grievances to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) but have yet to get a favorable nod.

Daily Guardian is still trying to get the comment of GrabFood.