Nicosia, Cyprus. Activist group Afoa on Tuesday accused authorities of failing to halt what it called a climate of tension and threats against Wolt delivery drivers on strike over working conditions. The strike began on Friday, with protests in Nicosia and Limassol.
Afoa statement on threats and working conditions
Afoa said the creation of a “climate of tension” and threats by “thugs” since the first day of the strike, which it said occurred with the tolerance and collusion of the authorities, targeted riders and solidarity activists. The group said this highlighted both the conditions under which the workers began their struggle and what it described as a social perception of them as modern-day slaves.
Afoa said drivers “earn mere crumbs” and described their employment status as among the most precarious and dangerous in the Cypriot labour market.
Drivers cite pay structure and reductions
Delivery drivers speaking to the Cyprus Mail at a protest in Nicosia on Monday said the third-party company that employs them takes a 33 per cent share of their wage. They said this can leave them with as little as €2.49 for a 9.6km delivery that takes about 20 minutes one way.
One worker said they are paid €1.50 per delivery for trips of up to four kilometres. He said that while most drivers work for Wolt through a third-party company, that company cannot increase their salaries, which is why the protest is directed at the delivery service.
Another driver told the Cyprus Mail that wages had decreased since he started working for Wolt around two years ago, including reductions in payments for waiting as well as distance travelled. He said they previously received one euro for ten minutes and two euros for twenty minutes, but now receive 75 cents regardless of how long they wait for an order at a restaurant.
Costs borne by workers and reports of attacks
Afoa said work expenses such as fuel and vehicles are paid by the workers. The group also said that for several years delivery riders have been targets of racist gangs that assault them and steal their money and vehicles.
What changes do you think should be made to address delivery drivers’ pay, safety, and employment conditions?