GMB and Deliveroo launch landmark courier charter

GMB Union and Deliveroo have launched a landmark Respect Charter pledging positive relationships between riders and restaurants.

A number of national restaurant chains and big-name supermarkets, including Wagamama, Wingstop, Bella Italia, Morrisons, The Co-op, Farmer J, Thunderbird and Whole Foods, have already signed the new charter.

The Respect Charter includes principles on treating everyone with dignity, communicating openly, access to facilities and working together to achieve operational excellence.

It was signed by GMB Union, Deliveroo, and rider representatives at GMB’s HQ on 20 March 2024.

GMB and Deliveroo struck a first-of-its kind agreement in 2022 giving self-employed riders guaranteed earnings, representation and benefits.

Tom Warnett, GMB Deliveroo lead, said: “Everyone has the right to go about their work safely and be treated with respect. Time is money for couriers and a commitment to reducing waiting time is really important. GMB union is involved in the gig economy to bring the standards up. We will do this by making sure couriers are paid fairly, treated with respect and maintain the flexibility that they came into the industry for.”

Camilla Kater, SVP of Care and Rider at Deliveroo, added: “This charter is the first of its kind across our industry and demonstrates the positive impact working hand in hand with the GMB Union has had.

“Our partnership with the GMB is already delivering for our riders and through jointly creating the Respect Charter we have solidified our commitment to create a positive and supportive environment for riders and merchants.”