Foodpanda Riders On Strike

By Network Media Group
Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Foodpanda riders across Myanmar are refusing to work and demanding their customers delete the app from their phones after the online food delivery service refused to meet their demands.

Over the past three months, workers have demanded more money for deliveries depending on travel time, one day off per week and other labour rights.

“The company hasn’t met our demands and therefore we’re asking customers to stop ordering food through the Foodpanda app and remove it from their mobile phones. We ask the customers to cooperate with us,” said an anonymous worker who’s been working there for over two years.

On 7 July, the riders released a statement listing their original demands in eight points and calling on customers to boycott the service. The workers launched the boycott on 6 June after Foodpanda failed to take the necessary action.

Two years ago, riders using their bicycles were paid 1,800 kyats (97 cents) per delivery, but this amount was reduced to 1,100, 800, 640 and finally to 520 kyats on 16 March.

After riders in Yangon, Mandalay and Monywa refused to deliver at this price, the company agreed to pay 580 kyats on 19 March, but hasn’t actually paid this amount.

Riders who’re still working during the strike are paid only 400 kyats per trip.

Foodpanda is owned by a foreign company that retains 30 per cent of the profits each month.