Riders Face Exploitation Despite Italian Legal Victories

Italian courts have repeatedly ruled against multinational food delivery firms for alleged worker exploitation, yet these practices persist. Prosecutors in Milan recently placed Deliveroo's Italian subsidiary under judicial supervision and initiated an investigation into its chief executive.

This action follows similar proceedings against Glovo's local arm. Both companies have been ordered to regularize their thousands of workers and adhere to labor laws. However, legal representatives and riders suggest these firms have a history of evading rulings, opting to leave the market temporarily, pay fines, or exploit the slow Italian legal system.

Riders, often immigrants, describe arduous working conditions, long hours, and pay below the poverty line. Despite a landmark 2020 Supreme Court ruling that granted self-employed riders employee-like rights, many report little change, with some conditions worsening due to shifts in work allocation systems. This has led to situations where riders struggle to afford basic necessities like rent.

Food delivery companies maintain that their riders receive fair compensation compliant with legal requirements. However, testimonials highlight significant issues, including lack of sick leave and vacation, and working days extending up to 17 hours. Other firms like Uber Eats have also faced similar probes and exited the Italian market.

Similar legal challenges are observed across Europe, with some countries like Spain moving towards hiring riders as employees, while others have seen delivery companies withdraw services. The ongoing struggle in Italy underscores the persistent gap between legal mandates and the reality faced by gig economy workers.