In recent years, independent delivery drivers working for platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Stuart have faced alarming declines in their incomes, raising concerns about the sustainability of gig work in the delivery sector. According to a report from the regulatory authority ARPE, the gross hourly rates for these drivers have plummeted significantly between 2021 and 2024. Uber Eats saw a staggering 25.9% drop in its hourly rate, while Stuart and Deliveroo experienced declines of 17.3% and 12.9%, respectively.
In 2023, the Union-Indépendants, which represents these workers, signed an agreement mandating a minimum gross hourly income of 11.75 euros for delivery drivers. However, when accounting for inflation, ARPE's findings reveal an even more troubling picture: a decrease of 34.2% for Uber Eats drivers, 26.6% for Stuart, and 22.7% for Deliveroo, excluding waiting times between deliveries. Amandine, a delivery driver for Uber Eats in Essonne, expressed her frustration, stating, "In 2021, I earned 916 euros per week for 140 deliveries; today, I earn 880 euros for 164 deliveries. I plan to quit as soon as possible."
The report also highlighted a significant increase in waiting times between deliveries, with a 16.9% rise at Deliveroo and a staggering 35.3% increase at Uber Eats from 2021 to 2024. ARPE noted, however, that these indicators do not account for drivers working across multiple platforms, which could effectively reduce their waiting times.
In response to the dire situation, Union-Indépendants is advocating for a fair and mandatory per-kilometer remuneration system, stricter regulations on the number of workers, and transparent oversight of the algorithms that govern their work. Uber Eats responded positively to these requests, stating, "We are in favor of implementing a minimum income per delivery and an hourly-kilometer guarantee," estimating that the average gross hourly income for its delivery drivers would be around 20.50 euros in 2024.
Deliveroo has defended its position, claiming that the average income per service has consistently exceeded 5.50 euros, reaching 5.70 euros per service in 2024. The company also reported a gross hourly income of 26.31 euros for its drivers. Negotiations between the platforms and unions are ongoing, facilitated by ARPE, focusing on the working conditions of over 71,000 independent delivery drivers.
Similar trends have emerged among VTC (Voiture de Transport avec Chauffeur) drivers, such as those working for Bolt and Uber. Union-Indépendants reported a continuous decline in income for these drivers as well, with Bolt's hourly rate collapsing by 12% and Uber's by 1% between 2022 and 2024. A collective agreement mandates a minimum income of nine euros per delivery and 30 euros per hour (excluding waiting times) for VTC drivers. The average waiting time between deliveries for Uber drivers has nearly doubled in the past two years, exacerbated by an influx of new drivers saturating the market, according to Fabian Tosolini from Union-Indépendants.
In Portugal, the profile of Uber drivers is predominantly Portuguese men in their thirties, with a significant majority being native Portuguese speakers. A recent data-sharing initiative between the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT), Uber, and Bolt aims to provide a clearer picture of the sector. As of March 2025, there were 37,495 active drivers on the road, with men comprising 90.1% of this workforce.
According to IMT President João Jesus Caetano, this collaborative platform allows for a better understanding of the sector based on quantitative and qualitative data. The analysis reveals that 76.4% of drivers are native Portuguese speakers, with 52.8% holding Portuguese nationality. The next largest groups are Brazilians (20.6%), Indians (10.4%), and Pakistanis (4.7%). Only 8.7% of the drivers are over 60 years old, indicating a relatively young workforce.
In terms of vehicles, March 2025 statistics show that there were 34,447 active vehicles, with nearly a third (32.9%) powered by alternative fuels such as electric and hybrid engines. The majority of these vehicles are relatively new, with 61.7% being less than five years old. This shift towards more sustainable transportation options reflects a growing trend within the industry.
As the gig economy continues to evolve, the challenges faced by delivery and VTC drivers highlight the need for regulatory measures that ensure fair compensation and working conditions. With ongoing negotiations and advocacy efforts, there is hope for improvements in the industry that could benefit the thousands of workers who rely on these platforms for their livelihoods.
