Foodpanda riders demanding higher pay suspended for 10 years ‘for violating agreement’
Foodpanda riders in Davao City who were planning to mount a protest to call for higher pay have been slapped with a 10-year suspension, as the company said that the riders “have broken their agreement.”
On Twitter, some users have already called out the food delivery app after a screenshot of the suspension message received by some riders was shared online.
“Nakarating sa amin ang reports na ikaw ay kabilang sa mga may mga grupo ng riders na nagpaplano mag no-show sa kanilang shifts ng July 14, 15, at 16. Nais namin ipaalala sayo na ang pagpatuloy sa actions na ito ay nakakaapekto sa kapwa riders at sa foodpanda,” it read, highlighting that such is a violation of its freelance agreement.
Ang @foodpandaPH ay mapang-abuso sa mga manggagawa.
— Reycel Hyacenth Nacario Bendaña (@hyabendana) July 16, 2021
"Partners" daw nila ang riders nila pero sobrang sama ng working conditions na akala mo walang karapatan magtake ng leave o magbigay ng hinaing ang mga transport worker natin. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/8EY6NFrzvG
In a statement provided to PhilSTAR L!fe, Foodpanda Philippines said it suspended workers “who are found to have broken their agreement with foodpanda, such as causing disruptions to operations that affect the wider ecosystem of restaurant partners and customers.”
Describing its fee structure as “dynamic,” the online platform maintained that it “has always provided a fair compensation structure, so riders can earn a living in a flexible way.”
“However, we also take rider integrity and conduct seriously as a responsible business to our restaurant partners and customers,” it added.
Foodpanda said that while it has “initiated” local dialogues with riders in line with their problems and concerns, the firm encourages them to do so via their support channels, “so we are able to address them properly and promptly.”
“We hope to share updates in the coming days once we’ve had the chance to investigate, discuss, and seek solutions to the issue at hand for all parties,” the app concluded.
For her part, Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged the Department of Labor and Employment to take immediate action on the riders’ concerns. “Dapat bigyan ng dignidad sa trabaho sinumang manggagawa ano man ang kanyang employment status,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
Article thumbnails from FoodPanda's Facebook page