If you are choosing to order food delivery during hazardous air conditions, such as during a wildfire, it is important to consider tipping your delivery driver more generously. This message is crucial for people to understand, especially after recent wildfires caused poor air quality in the Midwest and East Coast, including New York City where thousands of delivery drivers work for popular apps like Uber, Grubhub, and DoorDash.
Gustavo Ajche, a delivery driver for DoorDash and GrubHub, noticed that some customers were tipping slightly more during the worst of the wildfire smoke, but many still neglect to tip altogether. As a delivery person, this can be frustrating because tips are a significant part of their income. Ajche, who is also the founder of labor group Los Deliveristas Unidos, emphasized that delivery drivers often face extreme weather conditions and environmental factors during their work, and this is increasingly becoming the norm due to climate emergencies like hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding.
Delivery drivers have become essential workers, especially during the pandemic, as they provide a valuable service to those who cannot leave their homes. Despite the challenges they face, such as biking in freezing temperatures, snow, rain, and poor air quality, delivery drivers have adapted to the circumstances. For example, Adam, a New York City-based delivery driver, has delivered food in sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowstorms, and even pollution caused by fires in Canada.
Delivery apps have implemented safety policies to protect their drivers. For instance, Grubhub informed drivers during the worst of the wildfire smoke that they would not be penalized if they chose not to complete deliveries and advised those with pre-existing conditions to stay indoors. DoorDash automatically suspends operations during serious emergencies. However, in less severe weather conditions, apps may offer higher base pay to incentivize drivers, and customers may also be more likely to tip well during inclement weather.
Delivery drivers have limited time to evaluate delivery requests, often having just a few seconds to decide whether to accept an order. They also sometimes receive estimates of the tip amount before accepting an order, allowing them to decline low or no tip orders. Adam suggested that customers should consider factors such as distance, order weight, and weather conditions when determining their tip amount. On bad weather days, he believes a delivery within half a mile should have a tip of at least $4 or $5 on top of a base pay of $2 or $3.
Bimal Jhale, a Grubhub delivery driver, expressed the financial risks associated with taking a day off and the pressure to continue working despite hazardous weather conditions. He and other members of the Justice for App Workers organization believe that customers should consider tipping 15% to 20% more during dangerous conditions to compensate for the added risks and challenges faced by delivery drivers.
Jess, a delivery driver in Portland, Oregon, has had to navigate through annual wildfires since starting her job in 2020. She faces health issues due to smoke exposure, distracted drivers, and extra strain on her vehicle. However, she has found that customers often tip the same amount, even during extreme conditions like wildfires. While surge pricing may be implemented when there is a shortage of drivers, it often only adds a small amount to each order.
Jess suggests a change in how customers view tipping in the delivery app industry. Instead of it being a mere tip, she proposes that it be seen as a bid for better service and faster delivery. This would reflect the perspective of the driver, who often has to prioritize higher-paying orders for better compensation.
Overall, it is vital to recognize the challenges faced by delivery drivers during extreme weather and hazardous conditions. Tipping generously can help compensate for their efforts and ensure their safety and well-being.
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