An Uber Eats driver has shared an emotional video on social media highlighting the importance of tipping to customers.
Deliver driver Smithson Michael - who goes by the handle @itssmithsonmichael on TikTok - recently took to the video-sharing platform to raise awareness of the importance of tipping on behalf of those in the food industry.
In his viral video, Michael says: "I wish people knew what it was like to deliver for Uber Eats. Postmates, DoorDash, all these companies."
He then explains that after driving around for an hour to make a delivery, he only received a $1.19 tip from the customer.
"I mean, would it hurt y'all to tip us, throw us five dollars? I got a $1.19 tip and two dollars from the app... That's not even enough to cover gas. How am I supposed to survive like that?"
After explaining to the viewers about his financial struggles, Michael concludes the video by saying: "I wish people knew what it was like. I wish they understood what it was life to drive for these services."
In a comment on the video, Michael adds: "This video is to raise awareness for all workers in the food industry that aren’t being paid what they are worth. We will win!"
As reported by Buzzfeed, Michael had worked in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York for a little over a year.
His video quickly went viral on the social media platform, amassing over 1.4 million views.
However, comments on the video were divided. Michael certainly had his supporters, such as a fellow driver who wrote: "Appreciate you sharing this video. I’m a driver to and man I always want to cry after it’s never worth it for all the time and gas we spend."
A second added: "I feel you bro, and it still stands true. [I lost] my job last week so I started doing food delivery. I make $65 a day, just enough to fill my gas tank."
And a third wrote: "Just the other day [I] ordered $40 of food and gave $12 to my uber eats delivery. People need to stop ordering food if you cant afford tipping [sic]."
But there were people who argued with the point Michael was trying to make, saying that delivery drivers shouldn't work in a job where they have to "rely" on tips. To which, this TikToker had the perfect response: "For those saying to get a real job. I pray that you never know what he felt that day. Life is not easy, not everyone can land a life changing job."
In response to a TikToker telling him to get a "real job", Michael shared a video in which he stressed how there are people who rely on delivery drivers like him. Additionally, he highlighted how some people "need" the job, as it actually fits around the hectic lives of some of the drivers.
Since gaining traction on social media, Michael is continuing to speak out on behalf of those in the foodservice industry.
Sadly, Michael has since had his car ceased and no longer works as a delivery driver.
However, things are looking up since he launched a GoFundMe in order to help him get off the streets.
On the page, he writes: "Despite fighting and trying to raise funds to get my car back, I was forced into homelessness, a fate I never ever expected. My car was a source of comfort when I didn’t have anything else, and just like that I had no home. For a whole year, I’ve been forced to sleep on the street. I will use any donations to get myself accommodation."
He is still making TikToks in an effort to highlight his situation - a situation many people sadly find themselves in.
As of this writing, more than $1,000 of his $10,000 target has been raised.