‘Unity ride’ launched vs Grab over new fare policy, suspension of riders

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 4) — Hundreds of food delivery riders marched to protest against Grab Philippines’ continuous implementation of the new fare matrix as well as the “unjust” suspension of some drivers.

In a statement on Monday, the National Union of Food Delivery Riders said more delivery riders joined to call out Grab for implementing a fare scheme that “drastically reduced the riders' already meager income.”

During the protest late last week, riders were seen holding placards, calling on Grab to respect its delivery partners. The group said the new fare rate was reduced to ₱35 from the previous ₱45, while the per kilometer compensation of ₱10 was cut to ₱7.

They also demand the reinstatement of those riders who were «unjustly» suspended after attending rallies.

Late in October, Sen. Risa Hontiveros also expressed her disappointment over the alleged “abusive practices.”

“If the goal of this new fare matrix is to ease the burden on Grab's customers, it should not come at the expense of the platform's riders,” Hontiveros said in a previous statement.

Reacting to this, Grab maintained the new commission scheme ensures fairer compensation.

“The new model was designed to address long-standing concerns about compensation for pick-up efforts and extended wait times, while also providing a guaranteed minimum fare to protect our partners' earnings,” it said Monday.

Grab said it wanted its delivery partners to “earn substantially above the minimum wage,” adding it offers the “most competition earning model.”

The company expressed openness to holding a dialogue to address its delivery partners’ concerns.

READ: Grab PH revamps earnings structure for delivery riders amid sticky inflation