The union complained couriers were losing their jobs just as COVID-19 was spreading and many had no other employment or access to government funds.

The new services want to do things differently from the household names, so they have eliminated commission fees or offered rates well below the 10- to 30-per cent charged by Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, DoorDash and others.

Restaurants Canada say margins are typically less than five per cent at the best of times and delivery platforms can take up to 30 per cent commission.

The company is set to stop operating on May 11.

The Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled the couriers more closely resemble employees rather than independent contractors in what it said was its first decision with respect to the so-called gig economy.

Menu prices on some apps are higher than what you'd pay at the restaurant.

A hearing related to a union drive at food delivery company Foodora is underway in Toronto and is expected to have significant implications for workers and companies in the gig economy.

It's the second on-demand delivery pilot launched by the LCBO and Foodora in Ontario.

A union certification vote is underway for Foodora couriers, and an employment lawyer calls this a watershed moment for the Canadian gig economy.