Independent food delivery drivers face hardship during the winter. Many drivers work tirelessly but still struggle to feed their families.
Sylvester Davidson, a DoorDash support staff explained why their delivery drivers’ earnings have been small.
“At the beginning of the winter season, our company had a glitch with our application nationwide. For three weeks we were battling with correcting the system’s glitch and this led to loss of many customers. And as you know, if customers do not use our application to order their food, then our drivers cannot receive delivery notifications.”
Some drivers work for more than one company, just to make ends meet.
“The most popular delivery companies have been doing weekend giveaways for their drivers to encourage them,” said Catherine Joy, a single mother, who now delivers with both Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Theresa Clark, an Uber Eats support staff said, “drivers are not receiving enough orders because we increased the amount of money we charge on customers when they use our application to order by two per cent.”
Joy says it has been a real struggle.
“Throughout this week I was able to do 25 hours on my Uber Eats account because of the weather, but my income is so small compared to summertime,” said Joy.
Drivers say it is a challenge to meet the needs of their families.
“Regardless of this season, rents must be paid, families must eat, and other expenses must be taken care of. I had to use the money meant for my car repair to pay my rent. I cannot afford my daughter and I being thrown outside,” said Sylvester Paige, a full- time DoorDash driver in London.
With all the challenges this winter, some drivers are looking for new jobs
“I have applied to Walmart as a stock associate, to have a stable paycheque, and as soon as I am employed, I will quit both DoorDash and Uber Eats delivery jobs,” said Joy.
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