Uber Eats, alongside DoorDash and the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), has made a joint submission to the Fair Work Commission proposing a set of minimum standards for gig workers in Australia’s on-demand economy. 

The proposed MSO (Minimum Standards Order) represents a significant step forward in strengthening protections and providing greater certainty for tens of thousands of platform workers, while maintaining the flexibility that’s core to gig work. 

At Uber Eats, we have long supported sensible modern reform. For the past four years, we’ve worked closely with the TWU and the Federal Government on reforms to help raise standards across the industry. In 2022, we signed a landmark Statement of Principles with the TWU, the first of its kind across rideshare and food delivery, that signalled our commitment to setting new standards and protections for the gig economy. And this week, we delivered on that promise, submitting a joint proposal to establish minimum pay rates and fair standards for all on-demand delivery workers across the industry. 

The joint proposal shows how fair standards and flexibility can go hand in hand and includes: 

  • Minimum safety-net pay rates for time spent from accepting a trip until completion for all transport types, including bicycle, e-bike, motorbike, or car. 
  • Dispute resolution process to ensure fair outcomes.
  • A voice for platform workers through engagement and feedback mechanisms. 
  • Representation rights and communication between delegates and workers.
  • Accident insurance for delivery people injured while on trip.

These standards represent an industry-first collaborative approach with TWU and DoorDash to ensure platform workers have access to fair pay, strong protections, and ongoing flexibility. 

Importantly, the new proposed minimum earnings standard will provide a baseline earnings figure for time spent engaged in work on the platform, while delivery people will still be able to earn well above this through dynamic offers and higher rates during peak times.  

Uber Eats Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Ed Kitchen, said the submission reflects years of constructive collaboration with the TWU and Government, and the company’s ongoing commitment to improving conditions across the industry. 

“Fair standards and flexibility should not be mutually exclusive. They are both essential to ensuring gig work continues to meet the expectations of Australians and reflects the important role delivery people play in their communities,” Ed said.

“After nearly a decade operating in Australia, we know flexibility is one of the key reasons people choose to do gig work. Today’s submission is a meaningful step towards building modern laws for modern forms of work, one that gives delivery people what they value most: protection, security and flexibility.

“A key part of our proposal is a minimum earnings standard that acts as a floor, not a ceiling. It sets a clear base that earnings can’t fall below — but many delivery people already earn above that, and that will continue. This simply ensures there’s a stronger safety net for everyone who delivers over any platform and we don’t anticipate significant increases to pricing as a result.”

The submission is an important first step in the Fair Work Commission’s process to establish minimum standards for the on-demand economy. 

We look forward to continuing to work closely with the TWU, and the industry to ensure the reforms deliver a fair, modern, and more sustainable framework – one that supports delivery people, restaurants, and customers alike. The proposal is before the Fair Work Commission for consideration, pending the Commission’ approval process. 

Read more: Joint Statement between Uber Eats, the TWU and DoorDash