It is essential and time to include app-based service providers, such as ride-sharing and delivery service providers, in labour laws to ensure their safety.
The demand was made by Ride Share and Delivery Service Workers' Union in a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Friday.
Speakers at the human chain said that according to the BRTA statistics of 2020, 78,551 motorcycles have been registered in Dhaka in one year. In the last eight months, till August 2021, around 54,139 motorcycles have been registered. This number is increasing due to app-based ride sharing and service delivery.
“University students and other independent youths are involved in this sector. People who lost their jobs in various non-governmental organizations during the pandemic are joining this profession. It is estimated that more than one million people in Dhaka city alone are involved in ride sharing and delivery services,” said a speaker.
They said that although it is sad that the sector has been brought under the registration of BRTA, it has not been recognized as a profession in the labour law yet. The investment required in the ride share profession has to be borne entirely by the concerned driver. App companies charge commissions of up to 25 pc for arbitrage and 30-35 pc for various strategies.
They further said, “We risk our lives and health. As a result, the risk of occupational accidents is higher. However, there is no provision for their medical expenses or compensation in case of loss due to accident.”
Their other demands included fixing the commission of the ride share company at 10pc and to arrange the fare adjustment in line with the market price; free medical treatment; establishment of necessary funds and provision of life and health insurance at the expense of the company to provide compensation equal to lifetime income in accordance with ILO Convention 121 etc.
The convener of the union Rafiqul Islam, member secretary Md Riaz and other service providers of the sector were present in the human chain.
