Despite ongoing missile and drone attacks in the Gulf region, delivery drivers continue to operate, fulfilling orders for food, groceries, and essential supplies. The persistence of these deliveries underscores the critical role these workers play in maintaining a semblance of normalcy amid escalating conflict.
Uber, DoorDash, and Careem – major players in the delivery app market – rely on a payment structure that incentivizes drivers to accept every order. Uber’s model, for example, compensates drivers for pickup and drop-off times, distance traveled, and customer tips, with some cities adding a per-minute rate. Refusing an order directly impacts a driver’s earnings. This economic pressure ensures a continued workforce even as risks increase.
The United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) formally recognizes delivery drivers as essential workers, a designation that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The ILO noted that maintaining access to food, water, healthcare, and public order necessitated the continued operation of services like delivery apps. Countries worldwide created lists of essential services to ensure their continuity during lockdowns and social distancing measures. The concept of “essential function,” still, predates the pandemic, with historical precedents dating back to responses to plagues and famines.
Careem, a prominent delivery service in the Gulf, has reported a surge in demand for pantry staples, including water, rice, pasta, and fresh produce, as residents increasingly opt to stay indoors. This heightened demand further emphasizes the essential nature of delivery services during times of crisis.
However, drivers themselves report a lack of specific safety guidance from their employers regarding the escalating security threats. One Deliveroo driver stated he had not received any safety guidelines or advice from the company concerning the ongoing missile and drone strikes. This absence of support leaves drivers vulnerable and underscores a potential gap in corporate responsibility.
The reliance on delivery services is not limited to food and groceries. These apps likewise facilitate the delivery of medicine and other vital supplies, ensuring access for those who are unable or unwilling to venture outside. Uber has recently invested tens of millions of dollars in an Israeli drone delivery company, signaling a potential shift towards utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles to mitigate risks to drivers in conflict zones.
Recent incidents highlight the dangers faced by delivery personnel. In Austin, Texas, an Uber driver was allegedly attacked with a plastic grocery bag during a delivery, demonstrating the potential for violence even outside of active conflict zones. DoorDash has recently exited four markets, including Japan, citing a strategic refocus on growth in other areas, a move that does not appear directly related to safety concerns but reflects a broader recalibration within the industry.
The essential worker status often falls disproportionately on migrant workers, who bear the brunt of the risks associated with maintaining these critical services. Whereas maintaining normalcy and preventing panic buying are key benefits, the safety and well-being of the delivery workforce remain a significant concern.