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The decision came after a strong appeal from transport and delivery companies, ensuring continued financial support for drivers and delivery people amid the economic recovery.
After strong pressure from transportation and delivery service giants Uber, iFood and 99, the Ministry of Economy decided to maintain emergency aid for drivers and delivery people on these platforms. The decision came after intense debate and appeals from companies, who argued the need for continued financial support for their partners.
Uber, iFood and 99 drivers secure emergency aid after long legal battle
The benefit, which originated during the Covid-19 pandemic, was created to help self-employed workers face the economic difficulties of the period. Even with the end of the pandemic and the return to “normality”, the companies Uber, iFood and 99 managed, through the courts, to guarantee the continuity of emergency aid for their drivers and delivery people, thus guaranteeing extra financial protection.
This aid, which had been interrupted at the beginning of 2023, is now returning to alleviate the impacts that still persist for many workers, especially those at Uber and 99, who faced a drop in the number of passengers due to movement restrictions at the time.
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Although iFood saw an increase in the number of orders during social isolation, the company was also part of the initiative to ensure that delivery drivers continued to receive the benefit.
Emergency aid: necessary support for app drivers
Emergency aid has been one of the banners defended by transport and delivery companies since last year, when it was suspended. Platforms such as Uber, iFood and 99 argued that, despite the economy recovering, partner drivers still need financial support. As a result, the fight for the return of Perse (Emergency Program for the Resumption of the Events Sector) intensified.
In addition to helping drivers and delivery people, Perse brought relief to companies by reducing federal taxes such as IRPJ, CSLL and PIS/Cofins. For iFood alone, this measure generated savings of R$535 million in federal taxes, according to data obtained since the injunction was granted in August last year.
The final decision, which is still awaiting a court ruling, keeps Uber, iFood and 99 drivers hopeful. Perse, which was initially intended for bars, restaurants and companies in the events sector, also included transportation and delivery platforms, such as these three giants.
With this new achievement, self-employed workers linked to Uber, iFood and 99 can count on an extra financial boost, while the economy still adjusts to the full post-pandemic recovery.
The ministerial decision reinforces the importance of dialogue between companies and the government, demonstrating that, even in times of recovery, support for essential sectors, such as app drivers and delivery workers, is a crucial measure for the economic stability of these categories. Will the aid be enough to maintain the stability of these workers in the long term?
