McDonald’s accused threatening Uber Eats Drivers

According to a recent investigation by Worker Info Exchange, Uber Eats drivers in Northern Ireland for McDonald’s have faced discrimination, bullying, and exploitation.

The “McExploitation” report by WIE uncovered recordings in which managers in Antrim, Ballymena told Uber drivers that they should learn English at their own pace; that the Romanian sounds “harsh”, “abrupt”, and that they didn’t want to hear their own employees complain about it.

Some managers have been recorded giving drivers summary dismissal notices, and telling them they are “cheeky”, or “not team players”.

WIE’s Report suggests that, even though they are not directly employed by McDonald’s or other companies, many drivers face pressure from the restaurants in which they pick up their deliveries.

According to the report, McDonald’s managers also tell drivers that they have to use multiple apps such as Just Eat and Deliveroo along with Uber Eats. The drivers must therefore use multiple devices. Managers are also asking to inspect the phones of drivers.

Uber’s guidelines state that it is not allowed to place fake orders in order to track which drivers respond to McDonald’s dispatches.

A driver working for Uber Eats or McDelivery told WIE anonymously: “The Ballymena workforce has reached a breaking point between McDonald’s and Uber. Uber’s dynamic pay and job allocation system has resulted in a continuous reduction of pay over the past 12 months.

Uber and McDonalds are now more profitable than ever, while we have to work longer hours with less money. Local McDonald’s is getting more aggressive in their management, knowing that Uber will follow through on its orders and fire anyone who complains.

WIE reports that earlier this month, McDonald’s in Ballymena created a Facebook group called “McDonald’s Ballymena Delivery Partners” where managers shared a link to a code of conduct which “all drivers must adhere to”.

James Farrar said, “Once more, a stone has been raised to expose the poor working conditions endured in the North Ireland by gig workers. McDonalds micromanages their delivery workers in Antrim & Ballymena like they are direct employees, but hides behind Uber to avoid responsibility as an employer.

Uber, which has been exploiting workers for years, is now selling access to its platform to other large multinationals to do the same.

McDonald’s told The Guardian that they foster “respectful relationships”.

“We encourage our franchisees and restaurants to foster active relationships with their couriers, just as our delivery partners do. Our teams believe that our customers receive the best service when they work together with couriers to create an environment in which they can do their jobs most effectively.

We are discussing with the franchisee organization this specific incident that was brought to our notice and reminding them about best practices in creating respectful and positive environments.

Uber Eats’ spokesperson said: “Uber Eats drivers are independent contractors and can work wherever they want.”

Uber neither condoned or participated in the convening of a meeting. McDonald’s has been contacted directly and we are investigating the matter.

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