I have come to realise that doing food delivery is no walk in the park, despite it being seen as a menial task requiring little brainwork.
For a start, we ride through sudden storms or humid heat, while seeking to avoid road rage and keep ourselves and our customers’ food and/or drinks intact in a time-sensitive environment.
It’s out of a love for cycling, a passion for exploring nature places and a mission to feed the hungry that keeps me going, while also utilising the flexible working hours to provide writing, editing, photography and videography services.
Every job has its challenges, one might contend, and doing food delivery is no different from others in that aspect.
Still, as highlighted during the recent Labour Day events, food delivery riders belong to the more vulnerable groups of workers that face obstacles disproportionately compared to many other groups.
For example, during an outreach event on 1 May, Treasurer of Red Dot United (RDU), Liyana Dhamirah, noted, “Our food delivery riders are usually the most resilient, yet also the most vulnerable of the gig economy workers.”
Thus, RDU has proposed an insurance scheme (to complement any existing insurance scheme offered by food delivery platforms), particularly targeted at these vulnerable workers who will cycle or use their motorbikes to ply their trade.
Similarly, at the Labour Day Rally organised by Workers Made Possible, SG Riders member Andy Sng sought to debunk misconceptions about food delivery riders becoming their own “boss” in the gig economy.
He cited examples of how the riders are sometimes treated by vendors and security officers with indignity, not caring about how we will lose income and performance points if we decide to cancel orders due to long waiting times or if we have to park far away from the customer’s home for no good reason.
Though I have learnt to take such challenges in my stride for the most part since I started this journey in 2016, I recognise that some riders may be much more disadvantaged than me, especially those whose financial situations are more dire than mine or those who have certain medical conditions or got into serious or even fatal accidents.
Hence, I appreciate that the harsh reality faced by food delivery riders is recognised during RDU’s outreach and Labour Day Rally, where constructive suggestions have been proposed to address concerns about exploitation of workers and to advocate fairer and safer working conditions for the more vulnerable.
I also want to take this opportunity to give thanks for little glimmers of hope and positivity encountered in the course of my work.
Earlier today, I received a complimentary can of apple juice from a customer who ordered confectionery to celebrate Mother’s Day, and I wished her a happy Mother’s Day as well.
Yesterday during my morning shift, I was blessed to receive five stacked orders within minutes as it was the peak hour for ordering breakfasts.
One customer decided to cancel their order, and I got to savour the food, which I consider a blessing from the Universe.
(I wouldn’t consider it a free meal though, since it involves an opportunity cost of losing earnings for not completing a delivery order.)
Last but not least, it’s always welcoming to receive a heartfelt note of thanks from a satisfied customer via the food delivery app.
Onwards and upwards. 💪🏾
jimmytst editorial & photography 