Following a publicity campaign by the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), Deliveroo have dropped their investigation against IWGB union organiser and FRFI supporter Ben, and have invited him back to work. On Monday 11 December, the IWGB Couriers and Logistics Branch made public the fact that Ben, a key organiser of the ongoing struggle for improvements in pay and conditions, had been told that he was under investigation for the crime of ‘riding a cargo bike’ and would not be able to work whilst this was carried out. Alongside this, the IWGB revealed a leaked image of Ben’s employment profile from the Deliveroo internal system, making clear that his employment was ‘terminated’ and that before speaking to him, any members of staff should contact Sebastian Gilbert, the Head of Driver Operations in Britain and Ireland. On the same day the Financial TimesAlphaville blog included a comment piece by Ben, exposing this to a wider audience and making clear that Deliveroo workers would not be intimidated by such clear political victimisation. This campaign has forced Deliveroo to back down. Ben has now received an email from Deliveroo’s Director of Operations, David Scott stating:
‘Dear Ben,
We have been carrying out an investigation into the cargo bike incident described below. During this investigation, you were not offered any work as your account was placed on hold while the investigation was ongoing.
We’ve looked into the matter regarding the cargo bike, considered your response below, and the investigation has drawn to a close. No further action will be taken on this occasion.
In order to ensure the safety of our riders, we insist that any rider using a cargo bike has been properly assessed, and I’d like to remind you that you should not use a cargo bike as you have not received that training.
Please contact me if you wish to arrange further work with Deliveroo.
Kind Regards,
David Scott’
This is what organisation, collective bargaining, and political campaigning can achieve. No doubt Deliveroo will think twice before targeting union organisers again.
No to victimisation!
Victory to the Deliveroo workers!
For more on the Deliveroo struggle, and the wider context, see:
www.revolutionarycommunist.org/britain/economy/4545-tgf071216
www.revolutionarycommunist.org/britain/labourtrade-unions/4525-dd0711216
www.revolutionarycommunist.org/britain/labourtrade-unions/4446-dd191016
