Discussions about the wages and status of Wolt couriers in Iceland have erupted after representatives of the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ) sharply criticized Wolt's business practices. ASÍ claims that the company's business model undermines contractual rights associated with wage agreements, asserting that Wolt's approach relies on pseudo-contracting and leads to lower wages than those mandated by labor agreements. In response, Wolt has denied these accusations, labeling ASÍ's calculations as incorrect.

Karen Ósk Nielsen Björnsdóttir, a lawyer for ASÍ, alongside Saga Kjartansdóttir, a labor market expert at ASÍ, published an opinion piece outlining their position on the matter. They argue that the operational model of Wolt and similar companies has encountered substantial opposition from labor movements globally. The article explains that Wolt's model thrived on a type of labor that does not meet the minimum wage standards set by collective agreements, raising concerns about the potential exploitation of workers.

This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between gig economy companies and labor organizations, particularly in relation to workers' rights and economic parity. As the gig economy continues to grow, this situation illustrates larger issues around fair labor practices and the safeguarding of workers' rights in Iceland and beyond, posing questions about future regulations and labor laws for companies like Wolt.