A group of Lalamove drivers and riders conducted a protest dubbed as “Black Valentine” in front of the company’s office in PITX in Tambo, Parañaque City due to the company’s delivery rate policies.
The protesters lambasted the P49 per delivery as the current minimum rate compared to the previous P80 per delivery in the last eight (8) years or since the Lalamove launched in the country in 2016.
Lalamove workers added that the company profits from the 20% commission rate per delivery.
Meanwhile, a big percentage of their earnings is allotted to repairs, maintenance, and insurance for the vehicle which are considered to be out-of-pocket expenses. They even shoulder the bag rental fee worth P200.
Last July 2023, Lalamove drivers and riders through Lalamove Drivers Association held a Nationwide Strike Booking to demand fair and just working conditions. Around 7,000 riders in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Batangas, Quezon, and Laguna participated in the said protest.
Several issues raised by drivers include low-base fare, questionable pay rules, reduced incentives, low booking fees, and arbitrary termination. Such vouchers and promos advertised by Lalamove for consumers are also being deducted to their salary rather than through the company.
Riders further complain that they are not protected from system glitches and fake bookings/reports that would often lead to the suspension of their accounts.
Lalamove drivers and riders lamented that they have been into multiple delivery jobs even in the other platforms or other companies just to earn or retrieve their out-of-pocket expenses.
Lalamove is only one among the ride-sharing or app-based ride-hailing services like Joyride, Angkas, Grab, Foodpanda, and Transportify that contributes to the gig economy.
In the gig economy, companies hire independent workers on contract-based for short-term commitments. This, according to Defend Jobs Philippines, make way for big businesses and companies to further exploit workers and paralyze them on meager wages.
Last July 2021, the Department of Labor and Employment issued Labor Advisory No.14 series of 2021 to address working conditions among delivery riders in food delivery and courier activities using digital apps. The advisory emphasized the benefits to be received by the employees from employers.
However, labor groups slammed such advisory saying it lacked teeth in safeguarding the rights of workers upon penalizing companies that disregard its implementation.
Coalition of Union Courier and Shippers Services Philippines also expressed support for Lalamove drivers and riders following their demands such as the reduction of the 20% commission rate and seeks to hold a dialogue with the company alongside the officials and members of the association.
