Insufficient salary, but: – Bicycle deliverers are satisfied with the working conditions

The average bicycle courier is male, 30 years old and not in training, according to a survey of about 300 employees. It was carried out by the European Center for Welfare Policy and Social Research on behalf of the Chamber of Labor (AK). Key results: The majority of messengers surveyed are more satisfied than dissatisfied with their working conditions. However, when it comes to paying, it’s the exact opposite.

Women often experience insults
A challenge is that many are confronted with dangerous traffic situations, degrading behaviour, insults, threats or unwanted sexual advances. “Among female riders, the proportion of those who have faced insults (58 percent) and unwanted advances (35 percent) is particularly high,” it says. The results would show that these are not isolated cases, but a widespread problem. That could explain why the proportion of women in the profession is extremely low at 15.5 percent, the study authors say.

who works in the profession?
Conversely, eight out of ten employees are male. Most come from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy or Romania. About a third are studying, but the majority (54 percent) had no education at the time of the survey. This is probably also reflected in the fact that most people work more than 16 hours a week. Employees are more often freelancers (60 percent) than employees (33 percent).

What the investigation also revealed is that many drivers are not aware of their employment rights. Only half know there is a collective bargaining agreement for messengers. A large proportion are also unaware that there are works councils at Mjam and Lieferando. One fifth of those surveyed are members of a trade union. Most drivers hope that this will provide them with support in terms of salary, working conditions and job security in the form of dismissal protection and sufficient assignments.