I have been supporting Stuart delivery drivers throughout their seven-week strike and, working with their union the IWGB, I have now written to the UK General Manager of Stuart Delivery, the CEO of Stuart’s parent company, DPD UK, and Roger Whiteside, Roger Whiteside, Chief Executive Officer of Greggs, urging them to facilitate a meeting between the IWGB, the drivers and Stuart to discuss the driver’s proposals.

I joined Stuart delivery drivers outside McDonalds on Archer Road last Sunday for their protest over poor working conditions. We need a long-term solution which Labour would provide by giving all workers ‘day one’ employment rights, but the Stuart action is leading the way for workers in the gig economy as the longest continuous gig economy strike in the UK to date. 

Delivery drivers have played a vital role during the pandemic, providing essential services to people as they were isolating and shielding. They deserve more than a cut in base pay rate which motivated the strike. The couriers are asking for five changes: 

1. A reversal of their flat-rate pay change  
2. A minimum of £6 per delivery, and mileage  
3. A hiring freeze in Sheffield  
4. Waiting times at restaurants to be paid after the first 10 minutes of waiting  
5. No more erroneous suspensions  

I support their proposals, have backed EDM 911 on their dispute, and have previously raised concerns with Just Eat. I will continue to champion the rights of couriers and others across the gig economy for decent work conditions. 

You can support the Stuart workers by contributing to their strike fund here.