Couriers and Covid-19

The IWGB Couriers and Logistics branch calls for greater safety measures to be put in place and increased financial security for all couriers during the current world health crisis. More concerted actions need to be taken to not only guarantee the well-being of couriers, but also the health and safety of the wider society.

The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the ample failings in the courier industry. These need to be addressed immediately to not only guarantee the physical and financial security of couriers providing a vital service during the crisis, but also to stabilise the industry going forwards.

As the crisis worsens, the role of couriers will become increasingly more important and we expect all companies to acknowledge this by complying to these basic demands. It is our responsibility to simultaneously do what we can to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 while accommodating society while it is in desperate need. Employers have a duty of care towards couriers and the wider members of the public so we demand they do the right thing.

Read Greg Howard, Chair of the IWGB Couriers and Logistics Branch, in The Guardian: I'm a delivery rider with suspected coronavirus. I haven't received a penny in help

"With no real rights and protections for gig economy workers like me, it’s going to get harder and harder for people who should self-isolate to make the right choice."

Read the ten demands in full

Stand with Deliveroo riders

1. Select 'contact free delivery'
2. Tell them about the union
3. If you can, tip
4. Be honest about your order arriving
5. Be prompt
6. Donate to the IWGB strike fund

Demand protective equipment and sick pay for Covid-19 medical couriers

The IWGB is taking legal action against The Doctor's Laboratory over its failure to provide adequate protective equipment and sick pay to medical couriers transporting vital Covid-19 samples, as well as demanding regular testing and samples to be properly packaged.

Couriers are demanding:

1. Full sick pay for self-isolation
2. Protective gear such as masks, gloves, hand sanitiser
3. Regular Covid-19 testing for couriers
4. Proper packaging of Covid-19 samples, according to Public Health England guidelines

We are applying for costs protection but need to raise as much money as we can so that we have the ability to fight this case even if The Doctor's Laboratory pursues us for their own legal costs. Your contribution will enable us to go ahead with this case and secure the protections couriers urgently need.

Donate to the crowdfunder

Donate to the strike fund

The courier industry is notorious for companies denying basic rights such as holiday pay and a guaranteed minimum wage through mis-classifying workers as 'independent contractors.'

Many of our members are on low and insecure pay. The financial burden of taking time off work can sometimes prevent someone from being able to go on strike. By giving people the opportunity to apply to our Strike Hardship Fund we hope to stop this from happening.

Get involved

Do you work as a courier? Join the IWGB today.

Get in touch with the IWGB Couriers and Logistics branch at clbcoordinator@iwgb.co.uk.

Follow @IWGB_CLB for updates.