Toronto Delivery Drivers Protest
We are working 24 by seven. We are putting our lives at risk on roads … We are risking our lives to deliver something good for the customers,
Ameer Ali said after hundreds of delivery drivers gathered at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto to demand fair pay, safe working conditions, and dignity at work, cbc.ca reported. The demonstration, organized by the newly formed group Delivery Drivers United, brought together more than 900 workers who work for platforms including Uber Eats, Skip, and DoorDash.
Following speeches at Nathan Phillips Square on Monday, the drivers marched to Uber Canada’s headquarters at Bloor and Church streets. There, workers delivered a letter with their demands.
Demands Delivered to Uber Canada Headquarters
The group’s letter outlines several requirements for app-based platforms. Employees are requesting a living wage, clear and equitable guidelines for determining base pay before tips, and clarification on how unexpected delays factor into basic compensation.
Food delivery drivers have taken to the streets of Toronto to demand better pay. Joke's on them, the feds will just import another million Uber drivers to break the strike. pic.twitter.com/W5adzXpRzK
In addition, the couriers asked for broader health insurance protections, covering workplace injuries, alongside assured access to indoor waiting areas and restaurant restrooms. The letter states that while platforms generate profits, couriers receive unlivable wages, are made to put their health and safety on the line, are treated as though they have no dignity, and can lose their jobs without warning.
Organizers point out pay concerns. Samuel Nithiananthan, a community organizer based in Toronto working with Delivery Drivers United, noted that most drivers make $1.50 for 30 minutes, $3 a delivery, contrasting those figures with Uber’s $52 billion made last year.
Platform Responses and Minimum Wage Standards
In statements provided to CBC Toronto, representatives for Uber Canada, Skip, and DoorDash defended their operational models while addressing the concerns raised by the protesting drivers.
Isha Chaudhuri, spokesperson for Uber Canada, stated that the company appreciates delivery people raising what matters to them and shares a common goal of transparency, safe working conditions, and respectful treatment. Chaudhuri highlighted Uber’s work with UFCW Canada (United Food and Commercial Workers Union) to support delivery people with representation services and advocate for broader benefits and protections while preserving the flexibility they value.
A representative for Skip emphasized that the company fully adheres to the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act in Ontario, maintaining minimum wage requirements alongside transparent pay structures and proper dispute resolution mechanisms for workers. Similarly, DoorDash stressed its adaptable model and pointed out that Dashers operating in Ontario receive a guaranteed minimum of $17.95 per hour while completing deliveries, excluding tips, while retaining all of their tips.
Extended Hours and Public Misconceptions
Drivers pushed back against the idea that their work is supplemental and flexible. Nithiananthan observed that many of these drivers work 12-hour days or 15-hour days for less than minimum wage.
Drivers also want the public to be aware that some things are outside their control. Haitham Ali, a delivery driver for more than one year, explained that orders are sometimes late. Workers report waiting for an order for 30 minutes and the customer thinks that the driver is the one wasting time.
Furthermore, Delivery Drivers United noted that businesses frequently use short-term bonuses to draw in staff before lowering pay rates, forcing employees to put in extra hours for reduced earnings.
Future Demonstrations and Bargaining Plans
Organizers said the rally is their first public demonstration. Delivery Drivers United is planning others with the aim of getting delivery platforms to the bargaining table.
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