Trade unions have accused Wolt of exploiting its workers

Talks between representatives of the Wolt delivery service and Luxembourg trade unions, focusing on the precarious working conditions of couriers, concluded without any specific agreements being reached. Trade union representatives described the meeting as tense and disappointing. Disagreements arose even before the discussions began: Wolt’s management requested that the meeting be held exclusively with official trade union representatives, but the delegates refused and insisted on the direct participation of the couriers themselves.

OGBL representative David Angel compared the situation in the courier delivery sector to the ‘Wild West’, accusing corporations of profiting at the expense of the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society. Meanwhile, LCGB representative Pascal Glouchitski called for an immediate end to labour practices which he described as “modern-day slavery”. The trade unions had prepared an extensive list of questions regarding dubious subcontracting arrangements and the underpayment of wages, but received no substantive answers. According to David Angel, the delegation was left with the impression that Wolt’s representatives either did not fully understand their own operating model or lacked the necessary expertise to discuss the issues raised.

During the meeting, the platform’s management formally condemned any unlawful actions on the part of subcontracting companies; however, it stated that this was the first time it had heard of the alleged breaches, which it cited as the reason for the lack of preventive measures. Unsatisfied with this response, the trade unions called for the implementation of the EU Platform Work Directive, which is intended to legally enshrine couriers’ status as employees. 

Trade union representatives emphasise that delivery drivers are unable to set their own rates, choose their own routes or plan their own schedules, which indicates that they are, in fact, subordinate to the company rather than operating as independent contractors. Following the fruitless negotiations, Wolt limited itself to a written statement in which it welcomed the discussion that had taken place and expressed its willingness to engage in further constructive dialogue.