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Letters | Hong Kong’s food delivery riders deserve a better deal
- Readers discuss the Foodpanda rider strike, and the US consul general’s viral post on a popular local takeaway option
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During the pandemic, many Hongkongers have turned to food delivery services, and come to appreciate the convenience of receiving a hot meal at home with just a tap on an app.
However, the strike by Foodpanda riders suggests that the company’s treatment of couriers might need improvement. Last month, the company launched a new mapping system to calculate riders’ wages based on their delivery distances. However, riders say the new system actually lowers their wages. They are also unhappy that they are not allowed to decline or transfer orders.
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While we wait for our food in the comfort of our homes, couriers have to endure long waiting times at restaurants while dealing with impatient customers, often bearing the brunt of restaurants’ mistakes. They work even under adverse weather conditions. They also face challenges parking in some areas.
Riders are self-employed and must own their vehicle. Many riders are new immigrants and have no other way of making a living.
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It is particularly upsetting that they are seeing their wages drop during the pandemic when business has been booming for food delivery companies.
I urge Foodpanda to actively listen to riders’ demands and adjust its policies. The company should ensure a fairer and more transparent delivery distance system through discussions with rider representatives. While the company argues that their current policy is fair, couriers experience the system first-hand and hence they would be able to offer a more realistic assessment of the system.
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