In a new development for the gig economy, the Gewerkschaft Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) has called for a strike of Lieferando drivers in Germany as reported by Handelsblatt. The NGG, which represents workers in the food and hospitality industry, is seeking better working conditions and pay for the drivers who work for the restaurant delivery service. The drivers, known as “Riders,” are set to gather outside the Lieferando office in Frankfurt before moving on to a larger demonstration at the Hauptwache.

This is the first time that drivers for Lieferando have banded together under a union to demand better treatment from their employer. The NGG has been calling for negotiations with the company since February, seeking a minimum hourly wage of €15, a 13th month salary, and higher pay for shifts worked on holidays and outside of regular hours.

It’s time for Lieferando to step up and take responsibility for the welfare of its workers. The company, which is owned by the Dutch conglomerate Just Eat Takeaway, cannot continue to operate as if it were a scrappy start-up with no obligation to its employees. These drivers perform difficult and often dangerous work, and they deserve to be compensated fairly for their labor.

If Lieferando continues to refuse negotiations with the union, the drivers will be forced to escalate their protest actions. The NGG has indicated that strikes are being planned in other cities as well, and it’s likely that more drivers will join the movement as they become aware of the campaign.

The issue of worker exploitation in the gig economy is a serious one, and it’s heartening to see workers standing up for their rights. In the past, it has been difficult for unions to organize in the fast-paced world of delivery apps, where workers come and go quickly and are often isolated from one another. But as the Lieferando strike shows, workers are increasingly realizing the power they hold when they come together to demand better treatment. There have been increasing protests against these companies, such as the recent strike against Wolt.

Lieferando’s response to the strike call has been disappointing so far. The company claims that the vast majority of its drivers are happy with their work and that they already earn more than the average fast food worker. But as the NGG points out, this is not about individual driver satisfaction, but about creating a fair and equitable system for all drivers. If Lieferando truly cares about its workers, it will come to the table and negotiate in good faith with the union.

The gig economy is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean that we should accept exploitative working conditions as the price of convenience. It’s time for companies like Lieferando to recognize the value of their workers and to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Let’s hope that this strike is the beginning of a new era of worker empowerment in the gig economy.