Deliveroo and Uber Eats staff are collaborating with restaurants, including McDonalds, Wetherspoons and TGI Fridays, to participate in strikes. These strikes are to combat the insecure working and poverty pay that currently exists within the hospitality sector. Some Uber Eats customers have stated they will not be using the app in support of the employees during their strikes.

Shame you can't pay your staff properly

— Michael Smith (@Michael__Smith1) October 13, 2018

The strikers are hoping to abolish the minimum wage in place of a living wage, asking specifically for a living wage of at least ten pounds, as well as the recognition of unions. This has been supported by the Shadow Chancellor, who has said he agrees with the implementation of a living wage.

Strikers also hope to raise awareness towards the need for more regulated shifts. Working hours can be incredibly long, and employees are often expected to work with few breaks. They believe that fairer wage and reasonable shifts will improve staff morale and reduce the stress employees are currently under.

Hospitality employees are pushing to finally have their voices heard and are fighting to change the future of this job sector. They are planning to meet in Leicester Square in London for the strike, with people from all around the country attending.

https://twitter.com/patriotismerica/status/1052984554875568128

Compared to other high-profile strikes, this is a relatively small one, but it is an important issue that is not discussed often. In response to the upcoming strikes, Uber Eats have defended their rate of pay, Deliveroo have offered customers discounts, and Wetherspoons have argued that their rates of pay are currently rising. Whether this claim is true will come to light in the weeks following the strikes.

Charlotte Wood

Image: [Independent]