Limassol, Cyprus. The chief executive of WFDM, the Maltese company recruiting third-country nationals for Wolt in Cyprus, threatened striking riders with termination and a report to the migration department, the Cyprus Mail reported. Riders held demonstrations in Limassol after announcing a strike over planned fare reductions.
Threats in WhatsApp group chat
Mantvydas Matthew Narusevicius, chief executive officer of WFDM, sent messages to a WhatsApp group chat of Wolt riders on Saturday morning ordering drivers to “go online or resign today,” adding, “enough of bullshit.”
He wrote that everyone would be “suspended from wages,” and said, “F*ck your stupid strikes,” before instructing the local fleet manager, identified only as “Mani,” to “fire all who are a part of [the] strike or did not work.”
Narusevicius then said he would “forward” information to the migration department.
Bonus offers and response
“Mani” offered riders who chose to work instead of striking on Saturday a 100 per cent bonus, according to messages in the group chat.
Narusevicius replied, “fire instead.” About half an hour later, “Mani” offered €50 bonuses to riders who completed 20 deliveries on Saturday.
Demonstrations in Limassol
Riders held two demonstrations in Limassol, gathering on Archbishop Leontios Avenue and on the city’s central Anexartisia Street.
They carried banners calling for “stable employment,” “fair pay for delivery riders,” and an end to what they described as “exploitation” by Wolt.
Strike announcement and claims
The strike was announced on Friday, with one driver, speaking anonymously, telling the Cyprus Mail that Wolt intends to reduce the fare paid to riders for deliveries.
What do you think should be done to address riders’ concerns about pay and employment conditions?