The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office has implemented urgent judicial control over Deliveroo for exploiting workers, with some being paid nearly 90% below the poverty line.
The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an urgent judicial review of Deliveroo, citing exploitation practices involving about 3,000 riders in Milan and 20,000 nationwide. Allegations claim these riders receive wages that could be up to 90% less than the poverty line and do not comply with collective bargaining agreements, violating Article 36 of the Italian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a dignified existence. Such payments are described as neither proportional to the quality nor the quantity of work performed by the riders.
The investigation has brought charges against Andrea Zocchi, the 65-year-old sole administrator of Deliveroo Italy srl, with the accusation of aggravated exploitation. This case highlights the troubling practices within the booming delivery service sector in Italy, worth €240 million, which is controlled by the British company Roofoods Ltd. The prosecutor has stated that these working conditions amount to labor exploitation, taking advantage of the riders' vulnerable positions.
The implications of this investigation are significant, as they raise broader concerns about labor practices within gig economies not only in Italy but potentially across Europe. It may prompt stricter regulations and oversight on how these companies operate, ensuring that workers are compensated fairly and that their rights are protected. The heightened scrutiny on Deliveroo may also influence public perception and consumer behavior towards the company, especially amid increasing awareness of labor rights issues in the gig economy.
