APP-BASED food delivery couriers boycotted an east London restaurant today after being denied safe, sheltered waiting areas and access to toilets.

The mostly migrant workers, whose action was organised by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), are forced to wait outside in all weathers behind the Wingstop Restaurant in Ashwin Street, Dalston, where they have faced parking fines and police harassment since Hackney council asked them to move away last summer, according to the union.

This has resulted in a breakdown of communication between couriers and restaurant staff, exacerbating delays, IWGB said, adding that because couriers are not paid for waiting times, the delays have also caused them to lose income.

Courier Ana Thais said: “Kindness and politeness are not privileges; they are the basis for functioning working relationships, and at Wingstop, unfortunately, we don’t have either.

“Delivery work is not a favour offered to the restaurant, where we must undergo all kinds of treatment.

“The pandemic has shown that the work we carry out is an essential service.

“We are not asking for luxury, just basic dignity and respect.”

IWGB president Alex Marshall said: “We need restaurants, local authorities and the apps to work together to ensure this marginalised, majority black, Asian and minority-ethnic workforce are able to do their jobs safely, free from indignity and harassment.

“Restaurants must provide areas for these workers to wait for orders and access to toilets.

“Councils must create spaces where these workers can park and wait for orders.

“And apps like Deliveroo must introduce paid waiting time and financially support councils and restaurants to accommodate their workforce.”

Wingstop was approached for comment.