A food delivery rider who started the job two years ago because he loved being on his bike believes newcomers to the industry are being short changed on pay and conditions and a major union agrees.
Melbourne's Josh Klooger, 27, has worked for app-based delivery company Foodora for 23 months and has seen conditions for new riders deteriorate.
"I've seen the contracts starting out as less and less for new riders," he told reporters at a rally on Wednesday.
But Foodora said it operates in accordance with workplace laws.
"Foodora contractors typically earn $20 per hour and Foodora works with over 1000 contractors across the country," the company said in a statement.
According to a Transport Workers Union survey, most riders working for companies like Uber Eats, Foodora and Deliveroo are being paid below minimum wage and many were injured on the job which offers no sick leave.
"We're seeing people injured on a daily basis. One rider a week is being hospitalised injured or off work," union national secretary Tony Sheldon said.
"Three out of four workers are getting paid below the minimum wage," he added.
Federal opposition workplace spokesman Brendan O'Conner told the rally there was nothing new about exploitation of the workforce.
"Just because we use new technology in this country does not mean we should allow employers to exploit workers," the MP told the crowd.
A survey of more than 150 riders in Melbourne and Sydney found 75 per cent are paid too little, while around 50 per cent said they or someone they knew had been injured while working.
In response to the complaints, Deliveroo confirmed it offers "well-paid" work to 3600 riders across Australia.
"Riders receive a fee of $9 to $10 per delivery, plus tips," a spokeswoman said.
"Riders can do on average three to four deliveries per hour."
In addition, Deliveroo said, WorkCover is provided for all riders.
The company said it had not been contacted by the union with any concerns.
Uber Eats had also been contacted for comment.
