Model-kurimizumi steps up to the stage set up in Stratford Park. He looks across the sea of blue. No, he hasn’t defected to the Tories quite yet. There is applause as he reaches for the microphone, and he has to pause for a moment while it dies down.

Thank you! Thank you.

Thank you for coming out today to show solidarity with your fellow workers. Frankly, I am appalled at how Deliveroo have treated you. Shocked that our legal system has failed to give you the ability to collectively bargain through your trade union. Well, you’re showing them that it doesn’t matter — you’ll still go on strike anyway!

Cheering and applause erupts from the crowd gathered.

But that’s not enough. I know that here across East London we have high levels of deprivation. Jobs are unstable and we need to do more to prevent companies from abusing their staff. You’ve put a lot on the line fighting for your rights. We have to give you more support in the law, there is no two ways about it. Employment is changing, and it is for Parliament to keep up the pace.

That’s why I’m pleased to have designed our new employment deal this election. Just for starters, gig workers will be recognised as full employees. No more sham self employment schemes designed to get out of giving you your rights!

You’ll get minimum wage. Annual leave. Sick leave. Protection from unfair dismissal!

I know many of you will be working in the gig economy for the flexibility it offers. You can choose the hours you work. I’ll work tirelessly to protect that — ensuring that you have the right to request both flexible working and guaranteed or set hours depending on what is most suitable for you at the time.

I know the fight hasn’t been easy. Getting your request for union recognition rejected by the CAC was a setback. But we will ensure that employers can’t spend months or even years wrangling over unions and delaying your rights. Under Labour and Co-op’s plans, union recognition will be automatic. As soon as you have 10% membership, employers like Deliveroo will be required to enter into collective bargaining and recognise unions like IWGB.

Kuri pauses as the crowd begin to cheer again.

But we can’t just stop at protecting you when you are in employment. What about after you finish working? Right now Deliveroo doesn’t contribute to a pension for your future. Even if they had to, most employers set up a defined contribution scheme — where they put in a certain amount each month, and you are responsible for investing it to grow your pot. It’s time we shifted the burden back to the employer.

That’s why I strongly support the ban on employers using defined contribution schemes to meet their pension duties. Instead, they will have to operate a partial or full Defined Benefit scheme — where they guarantee that you will get a certain income after retirement, allowing you to plan into the future.

Finally, Labour and Co-op remain 100% committed to Universal Basic Income. If you suddenly aren’t able to work one week, you won’t see all of your earnings disappear. Instead, you know you’ll get the guaranteed income that month. Instead, other parties wish to see you wade through paperwork and bureaucracy. I say no! We must never bring back such a punishing system for ordinary working people.

So, in this election, please choose who to vote for wisely. Only I will be able to stand up for the interests of you, the working people of East London.

And now, on to the strike!

Deliveroo workers split off to form pickets at different locations. Kuri follows one of them to outside McDonalds. He visits a few others throughout the afternoon and evening across East London.