Davao delivery riders ask DOLE 11 to look into GrabFood fare cuts

A group of food delivery riders in Davao City has asked the Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) to investigate reported cuts in GrabFood delivery fares, according to Edge Davao.

The United Davao Delivery Riders Association (UDDRA) said in a press statement on Monday that riders in Davao, Cebu and Iloilo began receiving lower payments after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced a P555.75-million fine against Move It, a motorcycle ride-hailing firm owned by Grab Philippines.

Citing screenshots of riders' earnings and booking records, the group said some fares fell to as little as P1 per booking, while others were reduced by at least P6 per delivery. UDDRA said the timing led it to suspect that the cost of the penalty was being shifted to riders, adding that the reduced fares do not cover the time, distance, fuel and effort each delivery requires.

The association said its monitoring in Davao City showed riders already spend much of their income on fuel, motorcycle repairs and maintenance, mobile data and other work costs. "Further reductions in delivery fares have only worsened our economic hardship," the group said.

UDDRA also complained that riders were not consulted before the rate changes. It cited Article 100 of the Labor Code, which bars employers from removing or reducing established benefits, and Article 13, Section 3 of the Constitution, which recognises workers' right to take part in decisions affecting their rights and benefits.

The group wants DOLE 11 to examine the fare cuts nationwide and determine their effect on riders' actual earnings. It also asked Grab Philippines to explain how it computes fares, including pay for distance, waiting time, travel to pickup points and bundled orders, and to consult riders and their organisations before changing rates or working conditions.

UDDRA renewed its call for a P80 base fare plus P20 per kilometre and an end to bundled delivery arrangements, which it said cut into riders' income. "Technology must serve people, not be used to further undermine workers' conditions through corporate decisions," the group said.

The source did not include a response from Grab Philippines or DOLE 11.