Two Wheels, Two Dollars an Hour: The Reality of App-Based Food Delivery
Most people have ordered food from an app before. But have you ever done two-wheeled delivery work? This short video series will take you behind-the-scenes of app-based food delivery. We’ll explore how algorithmic systems are impacting workers, and their efforts to unionize.
If you have 20 or so minutes, I encourage you to watch all four parts in order. If you are strapped for time, quickly answer these yes or no questions for yourself. Based on your answer, watch the corresponding video(s) – just scroll down to see them.
Already out of time?
- Yes? Skip to the end and watch part four.
- No, you got two seconds? Keep reading the questions.
Do you have little to no understanding of how app-based food delivery currently works?
- If yes, see part one.
- If no, try part two for a look at how app delivery has changed and a breakdown of some features on the workers’ end of the apps.
Are you interested in the working conditions these apps create?
- If yes, skip to part three.
- If no, see part one and two for a more technical breakdown of how these apps use AI.
Did you know Toronto has its own food courier union?
- If yes, well dang don’t watch part four. Maybe try part three for a look at the conditions that lead to the need for a union.
- If no, watch part four.
Have you read this far?
- Yes, you may as well watch all four parts. Start with one and come back to the others when you can.
- No, well stop skipping ahead.
One note, UberEats and Skip the Dishes did not respond to requests for interviews before publication.
