Yemeksepeti Couriers Protest New ‘Compliance Rules’ in Istanbul

Motor couriers ‌of Yemeksepeti, Turkey’s leading​ online food delivery platform, began a sit-in protest‍ in front of the company’s‌ headquarters in Istanbul on September 9.

The couriers are objecting to new “compliance rules” announced by Yemeksepeti, which include measures such as‍ permanent ‍access bans if​ drivers contact the driver support team on three different days within a seven-day period due to accident issues, as well as suspensions from accepting orders for various periods ranging from one to ​three‍ days.

The messengers claim that these new rules are inhumane and have worsened their working conditions. They are demanding a meeting with the company’s⁤ management to request ‍the removal of the compliance rules, but so far, the management has not engaged with them.

Yasin Kölge, President ‍of the Automotive Courier Workers⁣ Association, stated that ⁢the sit-in would continue until their demands‌ are met. Kölge emphasized the importance of recognizing the value‍ of couriers, saying, “We are couriers ‌knocking on people’s doors every day, delivering ⁣their orders. During the earthquake, you called ‌us heroes.‍ During the pandemic, you⁤ called us heroes.⁣ But when it comes to our livelihood, you treat us like scum.”

This is not the first time Yemeksepeti delivery workers have ‍protested the ​company’s treatment of⁣ its workers. ​In 2022, the workers joined motor courier protests‍ in Turkey, demanding better wages and occupational safety measures.

Motor⁤ courier delivery workers are a growing workforce in Turkey, ⁤but their rights and compensation have not kept ​pace with ​demand.‌ Unfortunately, they are among the most common occupations to experience workplace fatalities. According to data from the Courier Rights Association, at least 54 motor courier delivery workers have died on the job in ​2024.