18 June 2018

...Foodora’s pitch sounds too good to be true: a job with the “best working values” that allows you to “stay fit’’, “flexible hours that fit your schedule’’ and “competitive” pay rates — “the more you work, the more you get’’. “If you share our beliefs and want to become part of a movement, don’t let ­anything hold you back. We’re waiting for you.’’

But there is a catch.

...engaged as an independent contractor, not as an employee...need to obtain an Australian Business Number and send invoices to Foodora to get paid. As a contractor...not receive the minimum pay and entitlements...would receive as an employee.

Foodora says riders are hired as independent contractors to give them “flexibility in choosing when and where they wish to work”. “Unlike employees, Food­ora riders are not constrained by the traditional restrictions of an employment relationship,’’...

But documents filed in the Federal Court suggest Foodora managers, rather than being hands-off, chilled-out colleagues, exhibit the characteristics of a micromanaging boss, tightly controlling the conduct of workers.

...a test case launched by Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James against Food­ora. She alleges Foodora engaged in sham contracting by misrepresenting...that they were independent contractors when, in fact, they were employees. As a ­result, the three were ripped off ­because they should have been paid according to the fast food ­industry award...