In a significant legal move, the Milan public prosecutor Paolo Storari has mandated urgent judicial oversight of Foodinho, a delivery company associated with the Spanish giant Glovo. This decision arises amid serious allegations suggesting that approximately 40,000 riders employed across Italy are receiving wages that fall below the poverty line, signaling potential exploitation of labor practices within the company. The urgent measure still requires validation from a preliminary investigations judge but underscores the severity of the situation facing these workers.

The appointed judicial administrator, accountant Andrea Adriano Romanò, will oversee the enforcement of labor standards and conditions as defined under Article 603-bis of the Italian Penal Code, which addresses labor exploitation. This includes ensuring that workers who were active at the commencement of the legal proceedings are regularized and protected from further violations. The focus on compliance with labor laws is intended to prevent the recurrence of such exploitative practices, highlighting the pressing need for reforms in the treatment of gig economy workers.

The implications of this judicial oversight extend beyond immediate legal accountability, potentially prompting industry-wide changes in how delivery services and gig economy platforms manage their workforce. As the legal proceedings unfold, there is a growing concern that the situation could resonate with similar platforms internationally, pushing for heightened scrutiny and regulatory responses to improve working conditions and safeguard the rights of gig workers.