The company chief executive has said that some delivery workers were prevented from carrying out shifts on Christmas and New Year’s Eve because of a strike. He added that a significant number of people taking part in the protests were not registered delivery partners, and he raised concerns about the disruption that followed.
What the CEO said
The CEO described the situation as a disruption caused by a strike that stopped some couriers from working on two key holiday nights. He stressed that the timing — during peak demand — amplified the impact on customers and restaurants. He also pointed out that many protestors appearing at pick-up points or on the street were not verified delivery partners, suggesting the protests may have included outside groups.
Who was affected
- Delivery partners: Some couriers who wanted to work were reportedly blocked from doing so.
- Restaurants: Businesses that rely on delivery during holidays faced potential loss of orders and last-minute cancellations.
- Customers: People ordering food on busy nights saw delays or service disruptions.
Why the issue matters
Holiday evenings like Christmas and New Year’s Eve are critical for the food delivery ecosystem. Disruptions on those nights affect earnings for couriers who choose to work, reduce sales for restaurants, and harm customer trust. The CEO’s comments highlight two key concerns for platform operators and policymakers:
- Service continuity: Ensuring couriers who want to work can do so without obstruction.
- Protester identity: Distinguishing between legitimate delivery partners and external actors involved in demonstrations.
Wider context: gig work and protests
Strikes and protests have periodically emerged in the gig economy over pay, safety, allocation of orders, and platform policies. Companies, worker groups and regulators often disagree on how best to balance flexibility with fair pay and protections. Allegations that non-participants joined protests add complexity to resolving disputes and managing on-the-ground incidents.
Possible next steps
- Investigation: Platforms and authorities may look into who organized the actions and whether any laws were broken.
- Dialogue: Renewed talks between platform management and courier representatives could help address underlying grievances.
- Operational measures: Steps such as clearer identification for delivery partners or designated pickup zones might reduce the chance of obstruction during busy periods.
What to watch for
Expect statements from courier groups, restaurants and possibly regulators following the CEO’s remarks. How each side responds will shape whether the focus turns to negotiations, enforcement, or operational changes designed to protect workers’ right to work while respecting the right to protest.