Australia’s new gig-worker pay rules offer a stark contrast with the protections and earnings available to platform workers in South Africa.
Australia’s ‘gig workers’ are now among the best-paid in the world following a tribunal ruling described as “world-leading”.
Delivery drivers who work for online platforms such as Uber Eats and Hungry Panda do not receive normal employer-funded benefits, such as injury cover or paid leave, as they are considered independent contractors.
However, Australia’s Fair Work Commission has now made a ruling that not only significantly increases their remuneration per hour, but also orders their employers to provide workplace accident insurance.
Effective from August 17, gig workers in Australia will now earn Aus $31.30 per hour (R357). If they worked eight hours per day for 22 days per month, this would amount to monthly earnings of around $5,500 (R62,800).
