Couriers seek safety during protests

The majority union of independent bike couriers in France, Union-Indépendants, has asked delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo to implement safety measures for workers during future demonstrations. This comes after couriers were caught in chaotic protest situations on October 17, facing smoke-filled routes and tear gas.

Workers faced dangerous conditions

According to Fabian Tosolini, national delegate of the Union-Indépendants union, couriers and chauffeurs had to avoid charges by CRS (Républicaine de Sécurité) by taking alternate roads. The union stated that many couriers were "caught in the clashes" and contacted the platforms on Tuesday morning.

Union demands safety and compensation

Union-Indépendants is calling for workers to have the ability "to take safety measures" and cancel orders "without loss of pay." The union also wants financial compensation for lost income and a real-time alert system to inform workers of risky areas. Additionally, the union is urging restaurants and customers not to request workers in dangerous areas and for platforms to temporarily suspend deliveries if necessary.

Platforms respond to safety concerns

Deliveroo stated that it suspended the platform in several areas in France, including parts of Paris, on October 17 and 18 to protect the safety of couriers and users. The company also contacted couriers affected by violence outside the planned protest routes and launched financial compensation for orders that could not be delivered.

Uber Eats emphasizes worker choice

Uber Eats said it communicated the measures taken by authorities to couriers and restaurants. The American company emphasized that couriers can choose to work or not, refuse orders without consequences on their account access or the courses offered, and report any risky situations to the platform.

France has many platform workers

According to the latest official statistics from the regulatory authority, there were 122,000 platform-based independent workers in France in 2024, including 51,000 drivers and 71,000 couriers.