TAKEAWAY deliveries were disrupted across Slough, Windsor, and Maidenhead over the weekend as about 300 Uber Eats protested “diabolical” pay and conditions.

Delivery drivers protested outside the KFC in Farnham Road, Slough, and then split off into small groups to picket at other restaurants across the towns.

The Uber Eats drivers claim they are earning a “diabolical” £3 minimum rate, but because they are self-employed, they are responsible for their motor insurance, food delivery insurance, and fuel costs.

The protests, which happened on Friday, October 7, and Saturday, demanded Uber Eats increase the minimum pay to £4.20, just like in Luton following successful protests there last month.

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Lead campaigner Zack Khan, who works as a part-time Uber Eats driver, said they turned the app off at peak times, which is at 5pm for five hours, to boycott orders.

Mr Khan explained: “There are a lot of drivers driving vehicles that are unfit to be on the road because they can’t afford to maintain their car with the pay that Uber is giving.

“This is the argument that we are putting towards Uber. When you are taking away all the expenditure of actually doing the delivery and what it entails, they’re not being realistic enough in covering the costs.

“I know Uber has had record profits over the last few years especially during Covid because everyone was ordering food. So, if they’re succeeding and getting rewarded, I think everyone should be reaping the reward especially when it’s the drivers that are making these profits.

“Without the drivers, they wouldn’t have all the profit because that’s their main source of income. It all resolves around us doing the work for them.”

Slough Observer: (Credit: Zack Khan)(Credit: Zack Khan) (Image: (Credit: Zack Khan))

Out of the 200 drivers expected on Friday, 115 turned up. In total for the weekend, Mr Khan estimated about 300 people showed up to the protests.

According to Zack, all the Slough restaurants stopped taking orders on the app from 6:30pm as they were not enough drivers.

He also said some restaurants “weren’t happy” with the major disruption, but Zack explained they want a fair wage and to be treated with respect as well as get support from Uber Eats.

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While most drivers were protesting, some were working. However, the £3.30 delivery charge spiked to £5, according to Mr Khan.

“[The protests] definitely made a difference,” he said.

An Uber Eats spokesperson said: "We offer a flexible way for couriers to earn by using the app when and where they choose. We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app, however, we regularly engage with couriers to look at how we can improve their experience."