The violent carjacking of a food delivery worker working for DoorDash on Monday night in Coomera, Queensland, shows the need for minimum standards to protect gig workers, who are among some of the most vulnerable workers in the country.
Food delivery worker Jaylan was robbed at knifepoint around 1am while completing a McDonald's delivery and hasn't recovered the vehicle since the incident. Without access to workers' compensation he's now liable for excess on the rented car and can't currently make an income.
The incident follows a spate of violent assaults of gig workers around the country, from carjackings to stabbings.
18 food delivery riders have been killed since 2017.
A McKell, TWU and TEACHO survey in 2023 revealed 55% of gig workers in Australia have experienced threatening or abusive behaviour.
The TWU recently filed a food delivery application in the Fair Work Commission using new laws passed by the Albanese government, calling for a minimum safety net on rates, personal injury insurance, company-funded superannuation, and dispute resolution and consultation rights for food delivery workers.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said the incident showed how urgently gig workers need protections in place.
"Gig workers are some of the most vulnerable in our country and these attacks like the one on Jaylan are all too common. No worker should have to go to work fearing they'll be the target of violent crime."
"Not only are gig workers under pressure to work long hours to make enough money, which often means late nights and increased danger of harassment and assault, they can't access workers' compensation when things go wrong."
"We've used new laws to make applications to the Fair Work Commission for minimum rights like a safety net on pay, and personal injury insurance. Those rights can't come quickly enough to protect workers."
