Around 30 Deliveroo drivers gathered in Oxford city centre this morning demanding higher pay for their services.
The strike had been on the agenda for two weeks with a group leader telling the Oxford Mail that representatives from all international communities would be in attendance.
Leader, Nelson, 40, from East Timor, who has been with Deliveroo for five years, said the drivers were requesting an increase from £3.15 to £4.50 for every motorbike delivery and £2.90 to £3.50 per bike order.
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He said: “We feel unsatisfied with the way Deliveroo pays us and just embarrassed.”
A 27 year-old driver from Brazil who has been with Deliveroo for three years and did not wish to be named, added: “Oxford is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the UK.
“We are scared of getting our names out because Deliveroo might close our accounts.”
It was alleged by drivers that the company had previously blocked accounts – terminating employment – when drivers messaged about issues related to pay.
Drivers suggested the strike would have an impact on service today due to a lack of people available to deliver orders.
When asked whether he thought the nature of the work made a difference to how the strike might be perceived, the Brazilian driver said: “Some bus company drivers are self employed but they still have the same rights as others.
“Deliveroo can easily close our account and we can’t do anything about it.”
Deliveroo was contacted for comment.
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