MELBOURNE, 25 November, 2025: In a world first, Australia will soon have minimum pay and industry standards for gig workers. The proposal has jointly been submitted by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and two biggest delivery platforms Uber Eats and DoorDash, to the Fair Work Commission. The development is being seen as a landmark understanding between union and employers, and a boost to gog workers work payments, though many issues are being worked out and negotiated.
Gig transport workers include food delivery riders, rideshare drivers and parcel couriers who are deprived of basic rights like minimum wage, workers’ compensation and protections from unfair dismissal.
Michael Kaine, National Secretary of TWU said “Gig workers have campaigned for years for a better industry and for the first time in the world, there could soon be a minimum floor that represents a life-changing increase to their pay.”
“After constructive discussions with Uber Eats and DoorDash, this is a significant step towards a fairer gig economy.”
“We look forward to the Fair Work Commission considering these new standards and working towards a strong foundation for fairness in the gig economy.”
In a media statement TWU said , “the Transport Workers Union and Australia’s two largest on-demand delivery platforms DoorDash and Uber Eats together made a joint submission to the Fair Work Commission for the establishment of a set of minimum standards for workers in the on-demand economy.
The proposed Minimum Standards Order (MSO) includes legally enforceable new protections for workers and baseline standards that the TWU has campaigned for over many years, marking a meaningful step forward that strengthens protections and provides certainty for thousands of platform workers.
The agreement demonstrates how minimum standards for platform workers can be achieved while preserving the flexibility that is inherent in platform work. The proposal strikes a balance to introduce a fair minimum rate of pay for on demand delivery workers for the first time, while supporting the sustainability of the sector.
DoorDash, Uber Eats and the TWU have agreed to key standards including:
- Minimum safety net pay rates for all classes of transport types;
- Dispute resolution processes;
- A voice for platform workers, via engagement and feedback mechanisms;
- Representation rights; and
- Accident insurance for injured workers
This landmark achievement is the latest milestone in an ongoing collaboration between the TWU and the digital labour platforms, to improve the quality, safety and security of platform work.
Digital platforms play an important role in providing consumers with the affordability and convenience they value, while supporting local businesses across a variety of sectors and helping drive productivity and economic participation.
While recognising the significance of this step, the parties look forward to further engaging in the next stage of the Fair Work Commission process to establish minimum standards for platform workers.”
Ed Kitchen, Managing Director for Uber Eats Australia and New Zealand said, “Uber Eats has long supported sensible and modern reforms that strengthen protections and benefits for delivery people, while maintaining the flexibility that is central to gig work. We believe fair standards and flexibility should not be mutually exclusive. They are both essential to ensuring gig work continues to meet the expectations of Australians and reflects the important role delivery people play in their communities.
“Over the past four years, we have worked closely with the TWU and the Government to help raise the bar – from signing a landmark Statement of Principles with the TWU across both rideshare and food delivery in 2022, to today’s joint submission with DoorDash and TWU in establishing minimum pay rates and fair standards. After nearly a decade of operating in Australia, we know flexibility is one of the key reasons people choose to gig work. Today’s submission is a meaningful step towards building modern laws for modern forms of work, giving delivery people what they value the most – the protection of minimum pay rates, security and flexibility.”
