News July 2026:
On 9 July 2026, the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU, Australia) emailed members celebrating what it described as a historic victory for Australia’s delivery workers.
The union advised that the Fair Work Commission had issued a decision that could establish minimum pay and conditions for tens of thousands of delivery workers as early as 10 August, subject to the finalisation of the proceedings. The email stated that the proposed minimum engaged-time hourly rates were:
- Bicycle, e-bike and e-scooter: $31.30 per hour
- Combustion motorcycle or scooter: $31.50 per hour
- Motor vehicle up to one tonne: $32.00 per hour
The TWU also explained that these are minimum rates. Workers who earn less during their engaged time would receive a top-up from the platform, while those earning more during busy periods could continue to do so.
The union deserves recognition for securing these proposed protections after years of campaigning. Establishing any enforceable minimum standard is an important achievement.
However, for rideshare drivers, these proposed figures also demonstrate why the current approach falls short. These proposed rates are not only inadequate and out of touch with economic reality, they represent a major step backwards for the industry.
Even the highest proposed rate of $32 per hour applies only to engaged time, the period during which a worker is actively completing a trip or delivery. It does not compensate drivers for the substantial time spent logged on waiting for work, repositioning between jobs, travelling to high-demand areas, or covering the many business costs that continue regardless of whether a passenger is in the vehicle.
For rideshare drivers, operating costs such as fuel, depreciation, rideshare insurance, registration, servicing, cleaning, tyres and the risk of unexpected repairs continue throughout the entire working day, not just while transporting a passenger.
Once GST, business expenses and the absence of paid leave, employer superannuation and income protection are taken into account, a minimum of $32 per engaged hour does not provide a sustainable living income for many full-time rideshare drivers.
The TWU has demonstrated that meaningful reform is possible. The next challenge is ensuring that minimum standards reflect the true cost of operating a rideshare business. For that reason, the union should be pursuing a minimum gross earnings standard of at least $40 per hour, or an equivalent formula that fairly compensates drivers for all working time and the genuine costs of providing the service.
Here is Why $40 Per Hour Should Be the Minimum for Every Rideshare Driver in Australia
About The RSDU
This is the official Rideshare Drivers United website. Our mission is to help protect the interests of ride sharing drivers through real time discussion, collaboration and collective actions.
RSDU was formed January 2016 by our founder Mr. Max A. B. In Melbourne Australia. The group has grown ever since and now span over several countries, Australia, USA, UK, and NZ to name a few. Our website and phone app was launched in June 2016, to help unite drivers anywhere in the world with fellow drivers right next door, to help change our situation right here right now!
Membership at RSDU is free. Join now our fast growing list of more than 9000 ride sharing driver members from all around the world (mainly in the USA and Australia) and be heard!
Whether you do ride share driving for only a few hours a week, or it’s your full time job, feel free to register today. Because only by standing together can we make a difference…
Downloading the RSDU phone app
Our android app can be downloaded directly from this website. The app is FREE to download. The iPhone version of this app will be available very soon.
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