In a landmark victory for app-based food delivery riders in the Philippines, members of the Foodpanda Cebu chapter, have successfully defended their right to fair compensation. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) upheld its previous decision to reinstate a 2018-2020 compensation plan that included a base fare of 55 pesos (94 cents) and incentives, and recognition of the employer-employee relationship between riders and the company.
Foodpanda appealed the initial decision, which the riders’ union, RIDERS-Sentro, won in September 2024. While the NLRC modified the labor arbiter’s ruling, it ultimately awarded 5.7 million pesos ( about $98,000) to the 18 riders involved in the lawsuit.
The union hopes this precedent will benefit riders across the country. Inspired by this win, union chapters in Bulacan, Iloilo and Urdaneta filed wage theft cases in December.
RIDERS-Sentro continues to advocate for improved working conditions for delivery riders. Its ongoing campaign focuses on securing guaranteed income and comprehensive insurance for all riders.