MANILA, Philippines — For the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), delivery riders may be considered employees or “independent contractors” of digital platform companies and should be entitled to at least the minimum pay and benefits.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the DOLE said riders in food delivery and courier services were covered by either the Labor Code or the contract or agreement with the digital platform company, depending on the existence of an employer-employee relationship.
The advisory came after hundreds of Foodpanda riders staged a protest action in Davao City recently against low delivery fees and unfair working conditions.
The company in turn suspended dozens of riders who led the protest.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said delivery riders who were considered employees of the digital platform company were entitled to at least the minimum benefits under the Labor Code.
On the other hand, riders who are considered independent contractors are governed by their respective contracts or agreements with the company.
Foodpanda did not show up in a scheduled dialogue with its suspended riders in Davao City on Monday.
Several lawmakers want a congressional inquiry into the working conditions of delivery riders working for Grab, Foodpanda, Lalamove, and other companies in the wake of the 10-year suspension of Foodpanda riders.
Trade Union Congress Party Rep. Raymond Mendoza filed House Resolution No. 1974, seeking an inquiry into the working conditions of delivery riders of Grab, Foodpanda, Lalamove, and other similar companies.