Wolt delivery couriers in Prague have taken to the streets for the second time to protest against changes to the company’s remuneration system, which they claim has caused their earnings to fall. Around 100 couriers protested in early February, after which the company pledged to increase the minimum remuneration per order. However, despite this promise, couriers have taken to the streets once again, claiming that the increase has not been enough.

The company recruits couriers based on the forecast number of orders, and with many people interested in joining the system, the company has not been accepting new couriers since mid-January. Couriers are typically self-employed and work as freelancers, meaning that they have to pay for their own social and health insurance or vehicle maintenance costs.

According to Wolt’s management, earnings should be between CZK 250 and CZK 300 per hour. However, the couriers claim that their earnings have fallen short-term due to the many people joining the system at the time. The company has dismissed this as a misunderstanding.

The protest began with a rally on Wenceslas Square before the couriers marched through the center of Prague, across the Hlávkův Bridge, to the company’s headquarters on Strossmayer Square. The police warned that the event would significantly complicate traffic and asked drivers to avoid the center of Prague.

While Wolt claims that the protest did not affect the availability of its service, the protest organizers urged protesters not to log into the system all day. The company has not reported any significant problems or delays in orders during the midday rush hour.

The couriers’ protest highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the rights and working conditions of gig economy workers, who are typically classified as self-employed contractors rather than employees, and are therefore not entitled to the same benefits, such as paid sick leave, paid holidays, or pensions, as traditional employees.

The issue of gig workers’ rights has become increasingly important as the gig economy has grown. In the UK, for example, the Supreme Court recently ruled that Uber drivers should be classified as workers rather than self-employed contractors, entitling them to the minimum wage, paid holidays, and other benefits.

The Wolt protest in Prague is just one example of gig workers standing up for their rights and demanding better working conditions. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more protests and calls for greater protections for gig workers around the world.

Article by Prague Forum