Ordering something to eat quickly, comfortably from home and at any time is now easy thanks to delivery platforms. However, last Friday, couriers working for delivery platform Wolt took a stand over worsening pay rates.
On Monday, a first meeting was held between representatives of the couriers, the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB), which described their working conditions as unacceptable.
Couriers working for the delivery platform have neither a proper employment contract nor any real protection. One Wolt courier told RTL, speaking anonymously for fear of losing his job, that they work between 12 and 14 hours a day.
If they work seven days a week, they can earn up to €3,000 gross per month, if things go well, the courier said.
However, conditions have now deteriorated further. The affected couriers estimate that pay rates have fallen by 30 to 40%.
Representatives of the couriers said that they now receive around €6 to €7 per order, adding that not much is left over once taxes, health insurance, fuel, and vehicle maintenance have been deducted.
According to the trade unions, the fact that couriers are left with less and less is also largely linked to subcontractors.
They warn that there are more and more intermediaries working for platforms who employ people themselves, often under poor conditions. These workers are frequently required to hand over very high percentages to the subcontractor, according to the trade unions.
OGBL central secretary David Angel said some people are also being recruited in refugee facilities and made to work without any official status. In some cases, he said, "mafia-like methods" are being used.
Angel accused the platforms of hiding behind these subcontractors and avoiding responsibility.
The next step, according to LCGB commerce union secretary Tiago Afonso, is to seek talks with Labour Minister Marc Spautz and with Wolt itself.
The demand addressed to politicians is clear: the sector must finally be regulated. The Left (déi Lénk) also made the same call in a press release, recalling that it has tabled a corresponding bill in parliament.
