Delivery Drivers in Saskatoon Strike Over Poor Working Conditions
Introduction
More than 120 delivery drivers working for Dragonfly, an Amazon contractor, have started a strike in Saskatoon to protest their pay and safety standards.
Main Body
The strike is based on a decline in pay and poor safety conditions. Drivers claim that their pay per package has decreased over the last six months, and they must also pay a 15 percent fee. Consequently, some drivers earn less than the legal minimum wage. Furthermore, because they are classified as independent contractors, they must pay for their own fuel, insurance, and vehicle repairs, while they have no access to health benefits or workers' compensation. Drivers also reported serious problems with their daily schedules. They claim the workload is so heavy that they cannot take bathroom breaks, and they must drive in dangerous winter weather without support. Some drivers even reported injuries, such as dog attacks, but they were told by managers to finish their routes instead of seeking medical help. The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour has stepped in to help, arguing that the law needs to be changed to better define what a 'worker' is. They emphasized that the current 'gig economy' model allows companies to avoid providing basic labor protections. On the other hand, Dragonfly has denied responsibility, asserting that the drivers are employed by third-party companies and not by Dragonfly itself.
Conclusion
The drivers are ready to return to work, but only if Dragonfly agrees to start formal negotiations.
Learning
The "Connector Upgrade"
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using only and, but, and because. B2 speakers use Logical Connectors to show a professional relationship between ideas.
Look at these phrases from the text that act as bridges:
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"Consequently" (Better than so). It shows a direct result.
- A2: They pay a fee, so they earn less.
- B2: They pay a 15 percent fee; consequently, some earn less than minimum wage.
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"Furthermore" (Better than also). It adds a new, important point to an argument.
- A2: They pay for fuel and they have no health benefits.
- B2: They pay for fuel; furthermore, they have no access to health benefits.
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"On the other hand" (Better than but). It introduces a contrasting perspective or a different side of the story.
- A2: The drivers are angry, but the company says it's not their fault.
- B2: The Federation of Labour argues for change; on the other hand, Dragonfly has denied responsibility.
💡 Pro Tip for B2 Fluency: When you use these words, place a comma after them if they start the sentence. This creates a natural pause and makes your English sound more academic and structured.