A union representing drivers for the takeaway app Deliveroo is requesting recognition from the company, in the latest battle over employment practices in the gig economy. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has written to Deliveroo’s chief executive asking the firm to recognise it as a union representing riders in one area of London. Independent contractors are not able to request collective bargaining in this way. If Deliveroo does agree to recognise the union it is likely to be the first collective bargaining agreement in the “gig economy”. John Hendy, a barrister who has advised IWGB said the application for collective bargaining was “a timely and vital step forward”.

Source: The Guardian November 08, 2016 07:00 UTC