Hundreds of riders protest Grab’s new fare policy

Food delivery riders, supported by the National Union of Food Delivery Riders, rally in Quezon City against Grab’s new fare matrix that slashes their earnings.

MANILA, Philippines–Hundreds of food delivery riders, backed by the National Union of Food Delivery Riders, took to the streets of Quezon City to protest against what they describe as unfair management practices by Grab.

The demonstration, called a unity ride, was organized in response to the new fare matrix implemented by Grab, which has significantly reduced the income of these riders.

The group of riders is also calling for the reinstatement of colleagues who were allegedly suspended or terminated by Grab for participating in similar rallies. They argue that these actions were an unfair response to their efforts to voice their grievances.

The protest highlights a substantial reduction in the riders’ earnings due to the new fare rates. According to the riders, Grab has decreased the rate per order from P45 to P35, and the per kilometer compensation has been lowered from P10 to P7.

This decrease in earnings has sparked considerable concern among the riders and has attracted the attention of government authorities, including Congress and the Senate.

Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed her support for the riders in a recent video statement.

“If the goal of this new fare matrix is to ease the burden of customers, it should not come at the expense of the platform’s riders,” Hontiveros said.

The issue of alleged illegal termination of riders by Grab’s management is currently under scrutiny by the National Labor Relations Commission. The riders’ group has sought the assistance of the NLRC to address their concerns and seek justice for those they believe have been unjustly treated by the company.

The riders are also calling for the reinstatement of colleagues allegedly suspended or terminated by Grab for participating in similar rallies.