Grocery delivery driver jobs have increased since this form of delivery service became popular in South Africa. This is especially due to its promise of getting orders to customers in 60 minutes or less. But over the years, numerous reports have shown that there have been some casualties in this now-booming industry.
Cape Town Etc reported on 14 November 2024, the dilemma many grocery delivery drivers are in. They said drivers are experiencing a lot of issues concerning their safety, pays and more. Here are some of the woes these delivery drivers are facing.
ISSUES GROCERY DELIVERY DRIVERS ARE FACING
CLASSIFICATION AS ‘INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS’
SA’s most popular grocery delivery service provider, Checkers Sixty60, was launched in 2019. It has been at the centre of most of the issues faced by these delivery drivers. They work with their logistics partner, Pingo, which is half owned by Shoprite. Pingo classifies drivers as ‘independent contractors’ and not employees.
According to a report by Daily Investor on 28 October 2024, the courts would likely deem the drivers as Shoprite employees. Speaking to Michael Bagraim, an attorney and Democratic Alliance MP, they said the drivers are not protected by labour law or receive benefits. Bagram explained to the publication: “Unless the drivers work for a couple of companies at different times, it cannot be said that they are independent contractors.”
FINANCIAL WOES
A Woolies Dash driver reached out to TopAuto and opened up about the issues drivers face, especially when it comes to their payments. In an article published on 11 November 2024, a driver from Mpumalanga who preferred to remain anonymous, told TopAuto there had been inconsistencies in payment amounts to drivers.
The Woolworths driver alleged that they were paid per trip, and those that had been working longer were paid about R40 while newer drivers got around R30. However, R5 commission is taken by Bikes Olvera, the agency that organises drivers for Woolworths. According to the source, they get paid between R7 000 and R9 000 per month. But most of this money is spent on maintenance, fuel and transport. They rent bikes to use for around R700 and using a car sets them back by over R3 000.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
TopAuto’s source also revealed that they work for about nine and a half hours a day. Also, that they need to meet a certain quota or else they will allegedly be blocked from the app for a period of seven days. They also alleged that things like breakdowns instantly lead to immediate barring on the app and being replaced.
The South African also published an article on 3 November 2024 on Checkers Sixty60. It detailed how much these drivers earn. According to the article, drivers earn about R7 600 per month.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH GROCERY DELIVERY DRIVERS?
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