Uber Eats and GMB union partnership - A quick breakdown
Last week Uber announced that they were extending their existing partnership with the GMB union to now include their Uber Eats Couriers.
In this edition we’re breaking down what this agreement is, and what it could look like going forward.
Background
In 2021, Uber and the GMB struck a “landmark” union deal for Uber’s +70,000 drivers in the UK. This first of its kind deal meant that under the collective bargaining agreement, the union could represent Uber’s drivers across the UK.
Similarly, one of Uber Eats’ main competitors, Deliveroo, also entered into a voluntary partnership with the GMB in 2022, formally recognising the union as their official rider trade union.
Who is the GMB Union?
The GMB union is a general trade union that operates within the United Kingdom. The union has + 500,000 members that work in nearly ”every job imaginable”, within the public sector as well as in private companies.
What is the partnership?
As part of the joint Uber Eats and GMB agreement:
Couriers for Uber Eats can become GMB representatives or members.
The GMB will be able to formally represent members if they lose access to the app.
Uber Eats and GMB will meet and discuss topics such as; fees, partner protection and health and safety issues that couriers face.
To become a GMB member it will cost courier’s £8.40 / month
What has the GMB done with Deliveroo since their partnership?
GMB reps meet quarterly with Deliveroo raising issues that matter to riders.
This year (2024) a respect charter was launched to improve the way restaurants treat riders.
GMB work to get wrongfully off-boarded riders back on the platform.
A new minimum pay floor of £12 plus costs for time on order is put in place.
Reception and road ahead
So far, the response to the agreement from riders has been a combination of cautious optimism and scepticism. Many opinions have been influenced by the existing partnership the GMB has with Deliveroo. Within platforms such as Reddit and the Rodeo app, riders are raising questions about the effectiveness of the current pay floors that have been established from their Deliveroo partnership.
Looking ahead, it may take some time for the newly announced agreement to have an impact. In order to realise its potential, the GMB and its platform partners (Uber Eats & Deliveroo), will need to make collective efforts to demonstrate clear value to riders.
With the increased scrutiny on fees and the new minimum pay floor that has come into effect, it is crucial that these stakeholders address riders' concerns and ensure going forward that benefits are clear and substantial.
