The delivery food giant that has been operating in the country for the last 20 years has announced it will close by the end of November. Words by Cameron Micallef
A takeaway giant has announced it is leaving Australia, with 120 jobs to be lost and thousands of delivery drivers to be impacted. Just Eat has announced it is closing down Menulog in Australia, after 20 years of operation in the country.
Menulog began in Sydney in 2006 as a digital on-demand platform linking local restaurants to customers before being bought by UK-based Just Eat in 2015.
The closure will impact approximately 120 Australian workers, with customers no longer able to use the service from midnight on Wednesday, November 26.
“This strategic decision reflects our focus on accelerating growth and investments in other markets and to deliver the best experience for customers, partners and couriers,” a statement from Just Eat said.
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Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine called it a shock for thousands of food-delivery riders, while calling out previous governments for their lack of laws to protect gig-economy workers.
“In the gig economy, workers are still languishing with below-minimum wage rates, no sick leave or superannuation, and deadly pressure to rush to make a living and avoid being deactivated,” Kaine said.
“We are paying the price for Coalition governments’ inaction now, not just with jobs that are exploitative and dangerous, but with less options for customers in an unsustainable industry engaged in a race to the bottom.”
Kaine thanked Menulog for trying to do the right thing for years.
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Menulog managing director Morten Belling said it was a tough day for the business, and the decision was not taken lightly.
“Our priority now is to support our customers, couriers and partners,” Belling said.
“This is why we are providing everyone a two-week transition period, in which customers can redeem unused vouchers and credits. Additionally, eligible couriers will be entitled to a four-week voluntary payment.”
This article originally appeared on news.com.au. It has been reproduced here with permission.
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