AN AGREEMENT between the GMB and Deliveroo has secured the union a recognition deal covering 90,000 gig economy workers.

The GMB will have the right to collective bargaining on pay and consultation rights on benefits and other issues, including riders’ health, safety and wellbeing, while the union will also represent members in disputes.

GMB national officer Mick Rix said: “This deal is the first of its kind in the world. 

“Tens of thousands of riders for one of the world’s largest online food delivery services will now be covered by a collective agreement that gives them a voice — including pay talks, guaranteed earnings and representation in times of difficulty.

“Riders deserve respect for the work they do; and Deliveroo deserves praise for developing this innovative agreement with GMB — a blueprint for those working in the platform self-employed sector.

“This is a valuable contribution in making work better and to the future world of work.”

Workers across the gig economy are fighting for union recognition from employers who enforce zero-hours contracts, cut wages at will, and leave workers not knowing if they will earn enough to survive from week to week.

Thousands of gig economy workers receive no sick pay or holiday entitlement.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said the “landmark” deal would give Deliveroo workers “a real voice at work.”

She said the agreement “paved the way for improved workers’ rights” — but condemned the government for reneging on its 2019 promise to introduce legislation enshrining such rights in law.

“Unions are starting to win the fight against insecure work and won’t rest until platform companies across the gig economy agree to work with their staff on improving pay and conditions,” she said.

“And we need the government to play its part. UK employment and union law is still not fit for purpose and needs dragging into the 21st century.”

Labour shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the agreement “shows how innovation and a voice at work can go hand in hand.”

She said: “It is good that there are successful businesses who understand the value of trade unions in a modern economy.”

Deliveroo founder and chief executive Will Shu said he was “delighted to partner with the GMB in this first-of-its-kind voluntary agreement” which he said gave self-employed riders “flexibility, guaranteed earnings, representation and benefits.”