Gig workers gain new pay and protections today

In Short:
– Gig workers will now have enforceable minimum standards, including a new minimum wage and improved pay conditions.
– Delivery drivers will receive accident insurance, with set pay rates and enhanced rights for job security.

Hundreds of thousands of gig workers will see enforceable minimum standards implemented today, including a new minimum wage.On-demand delivery drivers, handling food, alcohol, or grocery orders, will benefit from improved pay conditions and insurance for work-related injuries.

New pay standards

The Fair Work Commission’s order follows a joint submission from the Transport Workers Union, UberEats, and DoorDash.

Under the new rules, delivery drivers will earn a minimum wage of $31.30 to $32 per hour, with an increase to $31.80 to $32.50 next January.

Drivers must ensure their vehicle is registered and roadworthy and are responsible for fines from parking violations.

Employers must carry accident insurance for their workers.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine called the new standards “world-leading.”

He noted the reliance on food delivery services in Australia and the historical lack of protections for gig workers.

The TWU recorded 25 deaths of gig workers on Australian roads since 2017.

Kaine stated the decision from the Fair Work Commission represents significant rights and protections for these workers.

He emphasized that this represents a major shift in the gig economy, improving conditions for workers previously left behind by certain governments.

The new minimum standards also cover pay transparency, protections against worker deactivation, and rights to union representation.

Significant worker protections

These changes aim to provide gig workers with more reliable and safer work environments.

They are expected to improve job security and overall working conditions for a rapidly growing sector in Australia’s economy.