Under fire for a sign saying its riders could not use a building’s elevators, GrabFood yesterday said it was misunderstood.
After a public backlash for appearing to have ordered its riders to “use the stairs” at the RV Point condominium in Robertson Quay, Grab said the sign was directed at those picking up orders from a hub it operates in the mixed-use property’s basement, not those delivering food.
The purpose of the sign was to prevent elevator-hogging by its employees, according to a company statement.
“We have noted on this and we wish to clarify that this signage is meant to guide GrabFood delivery-partners who were picking up food orders from our GrabFood Hub located at Basement 1 of the building,” it read.
Its response came after people wrongly slammed the building and its residents for discriminating against the riders delivering their food.
But, the company said, it only applied to employees traveling to the basement and back.
“Delivery-partners were requested to use the staircase when they travel between Basement 1 and Level 1. This was to prevent any hogging of the lifts and between the 2 levels which might inconvenience the Condominiums’s residents,” Grab added.
A photo of the sign drew furious criticism yesterday.
“Dear Delivery Partners, [Management Corporation Strata Title] 4370 and the residents of RV Point have kindly requested that GrabFood Delivery Partners refrain from using the lifts as it is only for residents of the building,” it read. “Please use the stairs. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
Some slamming the sign urged riders not to follow the instructions and leave orders at the security posts for residents to collect themselves.
smlj lah, want delivery but still expect riders to climb stairs? CB period is not ask y’all to be CB hor#RVpoint #Grabfoodsg #Deliveroo #Foodpanda #circuitbreaker #covid19singapore pic.twitter.com/uIW6CixPX0
— All Singapore Stuff (@allsgstuff) May 28, 2020
The condo management has since requested the sign be changed to prevent further misunderstanding.
“We have since reached out to the said Operator of the Grab Food Distribution Point to remove and improve on their Poster to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion,” the management said in a statement.
“We also like to take this opportunity to urge all not to jump into conclusion before verifying the fact, especially during this period of time when all including our team members are also doing our best on the ‘front-line’ to ensure that all buildings managed by our team are safe & operational for all our occupiers & residents,” it added.
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