Dhaka, Sept 11 (V7N) — Foodpanda riders staged a protest outside the company’s headquarters on Thursday, demanding fair delivery charges, reasonable pay, transparent policies and reforms to the platform’s penalty and account suspension systems.
The riders also called for insurance coverage and other welfare benefits, while expressing dissatisfaction with their income, working conditions and various rules imposed by the food delivery platform.
According to the protesting riders, it has become increasingly difficult to earn a satisfactory income despite working long hours on the streets. At the same time, the costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, mobile data and other operational expenses have continued to rise.
They said there is now a significant gap between the income displayed on the app and the actual amount they retain after covering work-related expenses.
The riders also alleged that the structure of delivery charges, remuneration, incentives and bonuses is not always clear. They said systems involving late fees, penalties and account suspensions have also placed additional pressure on riders.
During the protest, riders displayed placards carrying various demands and slogans, including calls for an end to unfair practices, improved earnings and greater transparency in company policies.
The riders demanded that delivery payments be revised in consideration of fuel and other operating costs. They also called for greater transparency in incentive and bonus structures, more reasonable penalties and clearer, simpler policies on the app.
They further demanded adequate insurance and safety benefits to protect riders in the event of accidents or other unforeseen circumstances while working.
Several riders taking part in the protest said they wanted to continue working with Foodpanda. However, they said it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain in the profession without fairness and transparency in pay, company policies and workplace safety.
Later, Foodpanda representatives reportedly took five to six riders inside the headquarters for discussions. The riders said the meeting was expected to focus on their various demands.
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