CUPW Statement: Foodora Closing in Canada

OTTAWA, April 28, 2020 /CNW/ - CUPW and the Foodsters are shocked to hear about Foodora's decision to leave the Canadian market. The two-weeks' notice that has been provided is grossly unfair and unreasonable. We call on Foodora and the Federal Government to ensure that workers and food couriers be protected.

"We are currently reviewing our legal options. At this time, however, we want to focus on the hundreds of workers who have just been let go in the middle of a pandemic, with no Record of Employment, and unclear access to benefits such as the CERB," says CUPW National President Jan Simpson.

Foodora explains its closure is the result of an inability to make larger market gains. Riders have long tried to bring positive changes to the company's attention but were ignored every time. That was a major catalyst for the unionization drive. By closing, the company is now again saying it would rather leave hundreds of vulnerable workers without any income than listen to those workers' suggestions for change.

"Foodora and Delivery Hero must be held accountable to the workers - couriers have made millions for this company and deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness.  In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are considering numbers over human lives," says Simpson.  

Foodora has consistently avoided respecting labour laws and labour rights. We have seen, however, that collective strength has led to important results. A few months ago, the Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled that couriers working for Foodora are dependent contractors. We must therefore believe that a better outcome is possible and achievable.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Postal Workers