Union blames Lieferando: drivers do not receive an online tip

Lieferando customers have been able to tip their drivers online since the end of May – at least in theory. Because what was intended as a "function in favor of the driver" probably ensures that the suppliers never get a tip. The responsible union criticizes Lieferando for this.

The Food, Beverage and Catering Union (NGG) demands that tips sent online be well received by drivers of food delivery services. "Lieferando has to put pressure and ensure that the tip goes where it belongs," says Christoph Schink, head of the hospitality division at NGG. Since the end of May, customers of the order platform have been able to tip drivers via app or website, instead of only in cash as before. Recently, allegations by drivers had become public, especially on social media: tips that were first sent online to Lieferando did not reach them in the end.

"We forward the tip 100 percent directly to our drivers without any deductions," says Lieferando Manager Jörg Gerbig, rejecting the allegations. The drivers would be informed immediately in the corresponding app. In restaurants with their own drivers, the money is passed on to the restaurant, which is required to pass it on to the drivers – or, depending on the internal regulations, to be shared among the employees. "How the tip is distributed is up to the respective restaurant. We say: It must be passed on and we also assume that this will happen."

Tipping must not be withheld

Lieferando says it employs around 4,500 drivers across Germany who are properly employed and insured. However, these only deliver less than ten percent of all orders. The rest of the food orders are brought to the front doors of the respective restaurants, about whose drivers Lieferando has no information. "Lieferando has to clearly formulate what expectations are placed on partner companies", NGG Head of Unit Schink demands. If restaurants do not pass the tip on, it is unlawful.

The online tip was introduced to complete the contactless delivery of food in the corona pandemic, says Gerbig. "That's why it's actually a function in favor of the driver." Lieferando assumes that the online innovation has been tipping more and more frequently. On average, customers would give ten percent, which corresponds to two euros for the average value of an order, said Gerbig.