No hearts on Feb 14 for Lalamove workers -

A group of Lalamove drivers and riders conducted a protest they dubbed as “Black Valentine” in front of the company’s office in PITX in Tambo, Paranaque City. The protesters said their company has no heart or concern to workers following its exploitative delivery rates among other unjust policies.

The protesters clamored on the minimum rate of P49 per delivery that they receive as compared to P80 per delivery in the last eight (8) years or since the Lalamove launched in the country in 2016.

They added that the Hong Kong-based cargo and freight company also profits from the 20% commission rate per delivery; while a big percentage of their salary is allotted to repairs, maintenance, and insurance for the vehicle which are considered to be out-of-pocket expenses. Even bag rental fee at P200 are also shouldered by workers.

Last July 2023, Lalamove drivers and riders through Lalamove Drivers Association held a Nationwide Strike Booking to demand fair and just working conditions. Around 7,000 riders in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Batangas, Quezon, and Laguna participated in the said protest.

Several issues raised by drivers include low-base fare, questionable pay rules, reduced incentives, low booking fees, and arbitrary termination. Such vouchers and promos advertised by Lalamove for consumers are also being deducted to their salary rather than through the company. Riders further complain that they are not protected from system glitches and fake bookings/reports that would often lead to the suspension of their accounts.

Lalamove drivers and riders lamented that they opt to seek multiple delivery jobs even in the other platforms or other companies in order to earn or retrieve their out-of-pocket expenses.

Lalamove is only one among the ride-sharing or app-based ride-hailing services like Joyride, Angkas, Grab, Foodpanda, and Transportify that contributes to the gig economy.

In the gig economy, companies hire independent workers on contract-based for short-term commitments. This, according to Defend Jobs Philippines, make way for big businesses and companies to further exploit workers and paralyze them on meager wages.

Last July 2021, the Department of Labor and Employment issued Labor Advisory No.14 series of 2021 to address working conditions among delivery riders in food delivery and courier activities using digital apps. The advisory further emphasized the benefits to receive by the employees from employers. However, labor groups slammed such advisory saying it lacked teeth in safeguarding the rights of workers upon penalizing companies that disregard its implementation

Coalition of Union Courier and Shippers Services Philippines also expressed support to Lalamove drivers and riders following their two-point demands including: