Wolt has hired its first couriers as employees following a ruling from Finland's highest administrative court, setting them apart from previous contractor arrangements.
Wolt, a popular food delivery service, has taken a significant step by hiring its couriers as employees in compliance with a recent ruling from Finland's highest administrative court (KHO). This decision, made in spring 2025, classifies couriers as workers rather than independent contractors, reshaping the gig economy landscape in Finland. The operational leader for Northern Europe, Joel Järvinen, announced that the first couriers commenced work in mid-January, with plans to hire up to one hundred by the end of March. All couriers will work in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
The implications of this decision are considerable, as Wolt aims to explore how traditional employment and gig work can coexist within platform services. Some of the newly hired couriers have prior experience working with Wolt as independent contractors, while others are new to the platform. This hiring initiative sets a precedent for other companies in the gig economy, potentially leading to deeper discussions on worker rights and employment standards in the face of evolving labor markets.
However, the employment contracts revealed by Yle indicate some unusual conditions, such as the lack of pay for time spent waiting for new orders. This aspect highlights ongoing concerns around the treatment of gig workers, even in traditional employment structures. As Wolt navigates this transition, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes impact labor practices and the broader conversation about the future of work in the gig economy in Finland.
