The Transport Workers Union is calling for better protections and compensation for gig workers following a violent carjacking on the Gold Coast.
A DoorDash delivery driver was allegedly robbed of his vehicle at knifepoint in Upper Coomera in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to police, the 28-year-old man had his car stolen while collecting food at a fast-food restaurant on Foxwell Road around 1.10am on October 8.
The worker thankfully managed to escape physical injury, however his vehicle, a 2017 Silver Toyota Corolla, has still not been recovered.
The TWU says the incident “shows the need for minimum standards to protect gig workers, who are among some of the most vulnerable workers in the country”.
They claim that without access to workers’ compensation, the young man is now liable for excess on the rented car and can’t currently make an income.
“Gig workers are some of the most vulnerable in our country and these attacks like the one on Jaylan are all too common. No worker should have to go to work fearing they’ll be the target of violent crime,” TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said.
“Not only are gig workers under pressure to work long hours to make enough money, which often means late nights and increased danger of harassment and assault, they can’t access workers’ compensation when things go wrong.”
“We’ve used new laws to make applications to the Fair Work Commission for minimum rights like a safety net on pay, and personal injury insurance. Those rights can’t come quickly enough to protect workers.”
According to the TWU, the incident follows a spate of violent assaults of gig workers around the country, from carjackings to stabbings.
“18 food delivery riders have been killed since 2017,” the TWU said.
Queensland Police have confirmed investigations into the incident are ongoing.
