Deliveroo Under Fire: 3,000 Riders in Milan Exploited, Says Italian Prosecutor

The food delivery landscape in Italy has taken a significant turn with Deliveroo, a leading player, coming under judicial control. The Milan prosecutor's office has accused Deliveroo of exploiting approximately 3,000 riders in Milan and 20,000 across Italy, taking advantage of their state of need. This development follows a similar case involving Glovo, another major food delivery startup.



At the heart of the accusations is the allegation that Deliveroo's renumeration of its cyclists is significantly lower than the poverty threshold and collective bargaining agreements, potentially up to 90% less. This situation has been deemed untenable and in need of rectification, invoking Article 36 of the Italian Constitution, which mandates proportionate compensation, and the right to dignified work.



The investigation, conducted by the Carabinieri del Nucleo Ispettorato del Lavoro, paints a picture of a company policy that overtly disregards the need for legal compliance. The exploitation, according to the findings, has been ongoing for years, constituting a state of illegality that must cease immediately. Consequently, the prosecutor's office, led by Marcello Viola, has appointed an administrative judge, Massimiliano Poppi, to oversee the regularization of workers' conditions and monitor Deliveroo's business practices.



This move also affects major brands such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Carrefour, among others, who have been served with orders to hand over documents related to their use of Deliveroo's services. The examination of over 50 riders' testimonies revealed a homogeneous picture where work is not managed autonomously but is entirely dependent on the Deliveroo digital platform, indicating a form of dependent work without adequate protections and minimal pay.



For everyday users, this could mean a change in how their food is delivered, with potential implications for service quality and worker conditions. From an industry perspective, this shift could reshape how delivery services operate, emphasizing the need for legal compliance and worker protections. The broader societal effect could be a reevaluation of the gig economy, focusing on the rights and dignified treatment of workers in this sector.



The implications extend beyond Deliveroo, as this case sets a precedent for how similar companies must operate in Italy. It underscores the importance of adherence to labor laws and the protection of workers' rights, even in the rapidly evolving gig economy. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how Deliveroo, under judicial control, navigates these challenges and how its competitors respond to the changing regulatory landscape.



In conclusion, the judicial control of Deliveroo Italy marks a significant moment in the history of the food delivery industry in Italy. It highlights the tensions between the convenience and efficiency offered by these services and the often-precarious conditions of the workers who make them possible. As the industry moves forward, it will be essential to balance these competing interests, ensuring that the growth of the gig economy does not come at the expense of workers' dignity and rights.



The future of food delivery in Italy, and potentially beyond, may depend on the outcomes of this case. If Deliveroo is successful in addressing the concerns raised by the prosecutor's office, it could set a new standard for labor practices in the industry. Conversely, failure to comply could lead to further regulatory action, potentially impacting not just Deliveroo but the entire food delivery sector.



Ultimately, the Deliveroo case serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between technological innovation, economic growth, and social responsibility. As technologies continue to reshape industries, it is crucial that regulatory frameworks evolve to protect the rights of all stakeholders, including workers, consumers, and businesses. This balance is key to fostering a sustainable and equitable economy in the digital age.