The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) has opened a lifeline for food delivery drivers to resolve business disputes.
Commissioner Judy O’Connell said that following changes to the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005, gig economy couriers working under contracts with Uber Eats, Deliveroo and other online ordering and delivery platforms could now take their business disputes to the VSBC.
“The definition of ‘freight broker’ has been changed to make sure contractors employed through third party platforms are afforded the same protections as traditional owner-drivers like goods and freight drivers,” Commissioner O’Connell said.
“The change means gig economy couriers will get paid within 30 days and when it comes to resolving disputes, they can now access a confidential low-cost mediation service that works,” she said.
“The amendment responds to a Government review that found many hirers and brokers weren’t providing cost schedules and contracts, leaving drivers exposed to safety and income risks.”
Commissioner O’Connell said she supported the change, and welcomed the additional measure of the VSBC’s new arbitration function for all owner-drivers in Victoria.
She said most of the owner-driver disputes the VSBC helped with related to the driver not being paid or being terminated.
“We have also had gig economy couriers who have come to us after having their contract terminated with no right of response, simply because they received a customer satisfaction rating below a certain level,” she said.
Commissioner O’Connell said the change meant gig economy couriers would have access to a quick, effective and binding dispute resolution process to help them get back to work sooner.
