Bike Messengers Organize for Safety, Comp Coverage

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 | 0

A group of New York City bicycle messengers this week launched an organization called the New York Messengers Alliance, a move aimed at improving safety and working conditions.

The alliance is a first-of-its-kind organization for couriers working for on-demand apps like Uber, Instacart and Postmates, BuzzFeed News reported. The group wants to negotiate for company-provided safety gear such as helmets, and workers’ compensation coverage for on-the-job injuries.

Similar to Uber drivers, bicycle messengers working for the on-demand businesses are classified as independent contractors rather than employees.

In addition to safety concerns, decreasing pay is a concern for the bike messengers. Pay for Uber Rush riders has fallen over the past two years, from $25 an hour to $20 to $15 and lower, BuzzFeed reported. 

Uber told the news site that couriers sign up for the service because of its flexibility.