Deliveroo couriers in Dublin say they are taking strike action this evening in protest over pay and conditions.
They are seeking increased delivery fees for transporting meals from restaurants to customers as well as measures to improve their safety while working.
In an Instagram post, the riders say they have switched off the Deliveroo app on their mobile phones and are ignoring requests for their services.
They say that "this week alone, three more couriers suffered violence".
The couriers say the action will continue until the end of the night and they hope it will ensure that people "realise the importance" of their work.
They also ask people not to use the Deliveroo app this evening.
In a statement, Deliveroo said the safety of riders is its "absolute priority" and it takes "every step to ensure they feel safe when on the road" and works with "the police and the authorities" to resolve any security issues the couriers face, such as theft.
A company spokesperson said it provides free insurance for couriers, plans "to introduce free personal safety alarms for all riders in Ireland that they can use in an emergency" and is regular communication in relation to the issue.
On pay, Deliveroo said that "following feedback from riders, we have introduced distance-based fees - this fee structure pays riders more for medium and long distance deliveries" and "the majority of fees have increased."
The spokesperson said that rider pay "is now higher than it was before the pandemic" and they earn on average "above the National Minimum Wage and on average earn €13 per hour at mealtimes, excluding any additional tips they may receive, of which they keep 100%."
Labour's spokesperson on employment affairs, Senator Marie Sherlock, called on all Deliveroo customers to support the action.
In a statement, she said: "These workers are asking Deliveroo for engagement on very basic issues - better pay, conditions and standards.
"Throughout the pandemic, these workers have faced increased workload and additional risks in carrying out their work."
Senator Sherlock said that "what's happening with Deliveroo this evening demonstrates a desire among workers for collective representation to deal with conditions of employment, as well as matters relating to pay."
