Deliveroo has been placed under judicial administration in Italy due to accusations of labor exploitation and inadequate wages for its delivery workers, who face challenging working conditions.
The Milan prosecutor's office has placed Deliveroo, a food delivery company, under judicial administration due to serious concerns about labor exploitation among its workers. According to the prosecutor, thousands of delivery personnel, particularly in Milan and across Italy, have been found to be victims of economic exploitation, working under conditions that are considered below the poverty line. The authorities have cited "heavy labor exploitation" and a lack of respect for legal working conditions as the core issues at hand.
Investigations by Italian authorities were based on testimonies from over 50 workers, highlighting troubling wage practices. Reports indicate that some delivery workers, particularly those delivering pizza, earned less than three euros per delivery, necessitating a grueling work schedule of 12 hours a day to reach a monthly income of 1,000 euros. Many of these workers, including foreign employees, shared their experiences of harsh working environments where the application used by Deliveroo tracks any refusal to complete deliveries, further adding to the pressures they face.
This judicial action against Deliveroo not only aims to address the exploitation of workers but also sends a clear message about the importance of ensuring fair pay and working conditions in the gig economy. The implications of this case may extend beyond Deliveroo, potentially affecting how other companies in the same sector operate regarding their workers' rights and remuneration in Italy and possibly across Europe.
