NYC food delivery workers demand more workplace rights

New York City's food delivery workers just recently won rights to transparency in tipping and the use of restaurant bathrooms. After this fresh win, these workers have joined ride-share drivers on Tuesday to demand more protections, better wages, healthcare and the right to unionize. 

Groups representing 100,000 such app employees announced the formation of a new coalition- Justice for App Workers, that would push for new measures which they think could "achieve dignity" for drivers and the city's delivery workers. The majority of New York City's delivery workers are immigrants and many of them are lured into this industry with the promise of flexibility of schedules, the need to supplement income, or out of a lack of other options. But according to a survey last year from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, for most, delivering is a full-time job. The report found that two-thirds of delivery workers work at least 6 days a week and average just over $12 an hour, including tips. This is well below New York City's minimum wage. 

Ranjit Geuli, member of the United Delivery Workers Association and a driver for Uber and Uber Eats for five years, says, "We are delivery workers or Uber drivers. We're moving the city. ... They want good food, and we deliver it to their door." He adds, "We have no protection. ... Our jobs are unsecured. If we all come together, it will be a big voice."

Source: CBS News