Union accuses Uber Eats of putting couriers at risk during October 6 storm

The FSC-CCOO union has filed a complaint with the Barcelona Labour Inspectorate against Uber Eats and its subcontractors over allegations that delivery workers were kept on the job during a severe storm on October 6, when orange and red weather warnings were in force.

The union has called on the inspectorate to investigate what it describes as incidents of "particular seriousness and risk" for couriers, who were exposed to heavy rain, hazardous road surfaces, reduced grip, poor visibility and the risk of accidents while making deliveries by motorbike, bicycle or on foot.

"Occupational safety and health are non-negotiable: no order, delivery deadline or productivity target justifies putting the lives of delivery workers at risk," FSC-CCOO said.

Uber Eats' response

Uber Eats sources have said the safety of delivery workers was a "priority" and that service was suspended at 9.20pm.

The company has a protocol "directly connected to AEMET," Spain's state meteorological agency, which allows it to shut down the app in any area of Spain where a red weather warning is issued, preventing customers from placing orders.

Company sources said AEMET had not issued a red alert for Catalonia on October 6, but that Uber Eats had nevertheless decided to suspend operations at 9.20pm after receiving on-the-ground reports from its delivery fleet partners.