Unhappy employees can lead to one of two things. Much muttering or action in the form of a strike. Guess which one we’ll be getting from Malaysian Grab employees soon?
On 16th January, Grab Malaysia put a revamped delivery fee and bonus framework into effect, allegedly with fair compensation in mind. However, the new framework has come under fire from Grab riders. As a result, we’ll likely be facing a Grab Blackout this Friday (19th January).
The call for the strike or as they are officially dubbing it, the Grab Blackout, went out yesterday (17th January) not long after the news. According to the notice, it will be held from 7am to 12 midnight on Friday and will be affecting the whole of Malaysia. The notice is accompanied by tags declaring: “stop bullying riders” , “return (to) original fares” and “Grab is slaughtering riders“.
Grab riders have been protesting the move since Tuesday when Grab’s latest earning framework was implemented. The revamped framework has reportedly reduced base fares and increased incentives for peak-hour deliveries, distant pick-ups and extended delivery wait times. Grab defended their move claiming the new framework will benefit most of its active delivery partners and will ensure fairer compensation for bookings requiring extra time and effort.
However, many, including the Persatuan Perpaduan Rakan Penghantar Malaysia, have claimed otherwise. They urged Grab to restore the previous framework, alleging that the new rates were very low and its calculations unclear. They also claimed Grab’s revamped framework was hastily done and carried out without taking into account discussions held regarding their rate revision.
Most riders are in agreement for the strike, with some asking Malaysians to “give Grab riders a break” this Friday and urging them to join in the boycott as well. A few however, questioned if a single day of protest would be enough. Additionally, some have also apologised and left reasons for not being able to join the Grab Blackout.
“I urgently need the money, so I am unable to join,” one said to which they were told: “It’s up to you, there is no pressure.” Others have also expressed their thoughts on the issue. One claimed it was unavoidable as working for Grab is technically a gig, which also means there is no contract involved. But another opined that the workers needed to defend their rights and interest.
Some Grab riders in Penang have reportedly already started the strike yesterday at Udini Square, E-Gate. Another notice, spread online, claims the Grab Blackout will affect various states in Negeri Sembilan from Friday till Monday (22nd January).
Will the boycott prove effective? Well, we sincerely hope it will at least give the company pause and hopefully open up avenues for further discussion regarding their rates. In the meantime, we wish all Grab workers the best.
Sources: Facebook, Sin Chew Daily, Free Malaysia Today, GoodyMY
