NYC Food Delivery Service To Offer Couriers Medical Benefits

Couriers who work for one of the largest third-party delivery services in New York City, Homer Logistics, will now be offered medical insurance and stock options.

Homer Logistics provides external delivery services for restaurants such as Dos Toros, Melt Shop, Chop't, and Pinkberry, according to the New York Post.

The company is considering providers including Cigna, Anthem, and Aetna; medical coverage will start early next year.

The starting wage for Homer's bike couriers is $15 per hour as part of contracted work and can be covered under Workers Comp if injured or fall ill as a direct result of their job.

"One of the challenges of the contract model is that workforce engagement and retention are horrible," Adam Price, the founder and chief executive of Homer, told the Post.

These new perks may be a way for the company to manage a high turnover rate.

An additional benefit will allow couriers to receive stock options after working a minimum of 2,000 hours.

Entry-level software developers will also receive medical insurance and stock options, Price added.

To read about how rising health care costs are affecting to restaurant industry, click here.

Updated Dec. 9, 2016:

The article has updated to reflect that bike couriers at Homer Logistics receive Workers Comp if injured on the job.