Italian justice has taken a hard line. A judge on Thursday ordered Glovo 's local branch to regularize the status of nearly 40,000 delivery drivers operating in the country, according to a court ruling seen by Reuters. This measure comes amid an investigation into alleged worker exploitation.

A subsidiary under judicial administration

Earlier this month, Milan prosecutors placed Foodinho , Glovo's Italian subsidiary, under judicial supervision. The company's CEO is also under investigation for suspected labor exploitation.

The judge upheld this decision and instructed the court-appointed administrator to ensure that the 40,000 delivery drivers in question are now employed legally.

Glovo is controlled by the German group Delivery Hero , one of the European giants of home delivery.

Freelancers… in practice, employees?

At the heart of the matter: the status of delivery drivers.

According to prosecutors, these individuals were officially considered self-employed. However, in practice, they allegedly carried out their activities under conditions similar to those of employees.

The platform would determine, in particular:

-the working arrangements,

-the allocation of races,

-operational conditions,

-and the overall organization of deliveries.

A model that challenges the boundary between self-employment and salaried work, already widely debated in Europe.

Very low wages

The 54-page court order also highlights concerning levels of remuneration.

The delivery drivers were paid an average of 2.50 euros per delivery .

According to the elements cited in the decision:

-These incomes could fall below the poverty line,

-In some cases, up to more than 75% below,

-The minimum subsistence level in Italy is estimated at around 1,245 euros per month .

The document relies in particular on the testimonies of 39 migrant workers , whose statements helped to support suspicions of exploitation.

Contrasting reactions

Giulia Druetta, the lawyer for the delivery workers, welcomed a decision that she considers a major step forward for the recognition of the rights of platform workers.



For its part, Glovo stated that it would "fully cooperate" with the ongoing investigation.