Airbnb has struck an unusual deal with the Australian Transport Workers’ Union in an effort to promote working standards in the ‘gig economy’.
The Transport Workers Union of Australia has been campaigning against online food delivery services such as UberEATS and Deliveroo, citing issues with pay and conditions.
In response, the accommodation sharing platform – itself a leader in promoting the ‘sharing economy’ has announced that it will promote food and package delivery companies which it believes treat their workers fairly.
“This is really a call for companies to lift their standards, that there are opportunities for them,” TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon told the Australian Associated Press.
“Rather than going to the lowest standard, where people won’t get paid superannuation, don’t have workers’ compensation, and are paid below minimum wages, this is about encouraging the new economy to lift standards.”
A representative from Deliveroo told the Australian Associated Press that its riders “are covered by insurance and the company is always seeking ways to improve the way in which we work with those who choose to become riders.”