Workers from McDonald’s, Wetherspoons, UberEats, TGI Fridays and Deliveroo hold demonstration
Workers from McDonald’s, Wetherspoons, UberEats, TGI Fridays and Deliveroo are holding a demonstration in Leicester Square from 11am, with some workers on strike.
GMB Union regional officer, Steve Garelick, said: “The continued attacks made on workers from rate reduction without consultation to gratuities being hived off show that there is nothing wholesome in the service and gig economy sector.
“Today shows a frustration that the last two Conservative governments have created in an economy where companies play roulette with other’s lives and ignore their obligations as humans. This is demonstration is a chance to make sure GMB is heard loud and clear, and highlights the low incomes and false contracts that plague workers in the UK.”
An UberEats spokesperson said: “In response to feedback from couriers we recently made some changes to our payment structure in London, which brings it into line with other cities. Since coming in to effect we’ve seen average earnings during mealtimes increase by 30 per cent, from £8.30 an hour to over £10 an hour.
“Making improvements in response to courier feedback is a top priority, such as the sickness, injury, maternity and paternity protections we recently introduced. Our door is always open for individual couriers to speak to us about any issues they’re having.”
I'm kind of neutral on the UberEats/Deliveroo/Just Eat strike today, I think if I weren't ill I would have still gone out to work today cause I'm lucky to be on a better paid platform and I have no complaints. but what we DO need is protection, we are easy targets for thieves
— rosie (@rosieeeeeee__) October 4, 2018
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “Wetherspoon intends to increase pay in real terms in most years, subject to economic conditions, as we have tried to do in the past.
“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.”
#Breaking Wetherspoons workers have walked out on STRIKE! TGI Fridays, McDonald’s, Uber Eats and Deliveroo couriers are on strike today too. Pls RT this video & show solidarity with workers demanding £10/hr & a union. #FFS410 #SpoonStrike #McStrike #AllEyesOnTGIs #FastFoodGlobal pic.twitter.com/xQtUXne1nw
— War on Want (@WarOnWant) October 4, 2018
A McDonald’s spokesperson added: “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.”
'If we don't get it, SHUT IT DOWN!' as McDonald's workers in Brixton strike for £10/Hr and a union #FastfoodGlobal #McStrike #FFS410 pic.twitter.com/njSJ5UvTlH
— The McStrike! (@FastfoodRights) October 4, 2018
UberEats riders are set to hold another separate demonstration at the delivery app’s headquarters later on today.
