Employment laws protecting couriers come in force today
Employment laws guaranteeing fixed salaries, bonuses, overtime and sick pay for food couriers come into force today. The Digital Platform Delivery Wages Council Wage Regulation Order was published on October 21 on The Malta Government Gazette. It sets a three-month grace period for companies employing persons delivering consumer products to fall in line with regulations.
A government spokesperson confirmed the laws start applying today.
The new regulations follow a European Commission directive that forces member states to introduce rights for digital platform workers. Bolt, Wolt do not employ couriers directly
Food delivery ordered via apps has mushroomed in the last years. Two companies, Bolt and Wolt, dominate the market with their mobile platforms.
However, they do not employ couriers directly. Instead, fleet management companies subcontract employees to work on the platforms. Some of the couriers on the Wolt app are self-employed but more than 85 per cent delivering on the platform are employed by fleets, a Wolt spokesperson said.
All couriers on the Bolt app are employed by a fleet.“As of January 11, 2023, Bolt is only collaborating with couriers who are...