This research project involved one of the largest ever surveys of transport workers in the gig economy in Australia. The 1,036 respondents came from the food delivery, parcel delivery and rideshare sectors of the transport industry, where workers are engaged via apps and algorithms to perform transport work for which they are also required to cover their operating costs and equipment, such as vehicles, safety equipment like helmets, fuel, phones and phone bills, and other expenses. The survey examines pay, conditions, safety and flexibility associated with this work.

Key findings:

• Workers are dependent on this work and must work long hours to make enough money
• Low pay is the biggest concern
• Low pay is a health and safety hazard
• Instant job loss through deactivation is common
• Workers face abuse, assaults and injuries