Of Storms, Highways, and Unprotected Riders

WRITTEN BY: JAIME FRANCHESCA LOPEZ

Multiple businesses have fallen into bankruptcy at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a November 2021 report by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), some corporations failed to recover, as 10% of the initially-registered enterprises in 2019 have permanently closed. With declining incomes and the shrinking economy, this universal effect was anticipated. Even with the circumstances, some sectors were able to take advantage of the situation, such as delivery or courier services, which were in full operation, transporting all sorts of goods, from food to medicine to hardware. However, looking at the other end of this economic chain—the riders—it is worth taking note that these blue-collar employees are constantly working under unsafe conditions, which begs the ongoing question of ethical capitalism. With this, should consumers be held accountable for compromising these workers’ safety when they choose to avail of such services in the event of a storm?

Other than assisting the public with its immediate needs, these services undoubtedly contributed to personal convenience as a whole. When strict health protocols were in place, having this option minimized the risk of spreading the virus. Courier companies even went as far as offering contactless delivery to further mitigate the dangers of infection. Yet, in exchange for customer satisfaction, these workers are compromising their safety by driving on slippery highways and accident-prone areas.

Some people argue that it is unethical to use such services, given the situation. These individuals believe that consumers must collectively stop getting things delivered to reduce the risk for the riders.

Conversely, the opposition asserts that consumers must not be burdened by the pressure of these hazards. Deciding for the workers will ultimately deprive them of a livelihood. Some companies only offer quota-based salaries to their riders instead of hourly income. They are contracted in such a way that their earnings are dependent on a certain quantity of deliveries, which means that they will earn relatively less if consumers do not avail themselves of the service altogether. In doing this, consumers allow these workers to choose for themselves, gauge their respective sit- uations, and arrive at a resolution as to whether they can execute the task or not. As customers, one may give a hearty tip or simply be considerate by expecting longer delivery durations. While the opposition supports the employees’ revenue, it is worth mentioning that the said risks are not mere paranoia. Two-wheeled delivery drivers, whether cyclists or motorcycle riders, are among the most vulnerable road users. Around 70 people are killed and 2,000 people are injured in work-related accidents. Additionally, a significant proportion of this statistic occurs during deliveries and collections as stated in the reports of Thursby (2022) and Waring (2021). porations to ensure that their employees are receiving as much compensation and benefits for their work. With the escalating number of road accident cases encountered by riders, some businesses have started instilling protocols to protect their employees.

For instance, Manila Standard revealed that Lalamove provides personal accident insurance for all drivers and has also partnered with Honda Safety Driving Center in launching the “Angat ang Maingat” campaign in 2019, which involves a series of seminars to remind their growing partner driver community of the importance of safety. A more proactive and commendable response was made by GrabFood in their decision to lay down the “Merchant Rainy Day Protocol,” which renders restaurants temporarily unavailable for delivery, increases consumer fees, disables the long-distance feature, and reduces the maximum scheduled orders per hour. Other courier companies have followed this resolution in acknowledgment of the issue.

Though changes have been made, a 2022 research study by a group of University of the Philippines (UP) professors has proven that employers are still lacking in the provision of adequately safe measures for their workers. This article does not only tackle shortcomings in road safety but also their low regard for curative strategies to prevent the transmission and contraction of COVID-19. Such findings demonstrate that these corporations’ initiatives are not enough, which ultimately calls on the Senate of the Philippines to instate laws that guarantee the workers’ security.

With the rise in work-related casualties and relentless concern over inconsistent employee protection, the government must start recognizing their responsibility and the weight of their lack of participation. In October 2021, Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 1373, or the Protektadong Online Workers, Entrepreneurs, Riders at Raketera (POWERR) Act. This bill requires the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to mandate rules that classify these online platform workers as regular employees entitled to a salary that is at least the minimum wage and would allow them to be enrolled in government social protection programs such as PhilHealth, SSS, and Pag-IBIG among others. It also demands that courier companies be more transparent and negotiable with their terms. However, a year after its filing, there is still no development.

This concern has been up for debate among consumers as it places them in a dilemma. While both parties put forward rational sentiments, this predicament is not an issue solely dependent on an individual’s morals and decisions. Instead of villainizing the proposition and the opposition, everyone must be made aware of the fact that matters concerning an employee’s working environment require the intervention of a governing body, which consists of the company and the country’s lawmakers. most people still prefer getting their food through delivery apps, as it provides a more pleasant experience and, at times, is the thriftier option. With the are getting, it must be the