A delivery driver shared a tearful video on TikTok after receiving a small tip on an order for which he drove nearly an hour.
"I just wish people knew what it was like," Smithson Michael said in the video, which was posted on June 2. "I wish they understood what it was like to drive for Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash, all these companies."
@deliveryguy100
"I just spent an hour driving around for $1.19 tip," Michael continued. "I mean, would it hurt y'all to tip us? Throw us $5?”
Michael added that he received only $2.00 from the app, lamenting the lack of a livable wage.
“Everything fell apart on me, I haven’t been able to sustain myself, provide for myself,” he said, before noting that he’s homeless and hasn’t been able to keep up with car payments for the last four months.
Since the video was posted, it has garnered over 1.2 million views.
Michael, who is on TikTok under the username @deliveryguy100, also added his CashApp and Venmo handles to his bio to “help break the cycle.”
According to AppJobs.com, drivers can earn a range of money depending on which third-party app they use, but also factors such as location and experience can play a role in how much money a driver will make.
Michael also posted other videos in relation to delivery drivers earning a survivable wage, including one where he posted audio of him playing the guitar to spread awareness of the issue.
“Delivery drivers deserve a living wage — I’m dedicating my music to this,” he wrote in the video’s caption.
@deliveryguy100 @kevinjamesthornton I am dedicating my music to help delivery drivers! I want them to be paid a living wage. I am making a few songs to share!
After seeing the tearful video, some TikTok users offered to help Michael, writing that they'd sent him money.
"I sent you 10 dollars. hope that helps a little. Hope you have a better day tomorrow God bless you," a user wrote.
In addition, some users blamed the companies, stating how delivery apps charge heavy fees and then expect people to pay on top of those charges.
"This video is to raise awareness for all workers in the food industry who aren't being paid what they are worth. We will win!" Michael commented on his post.
