Watch: Is the EU serving delivery riders a raw deal?
The job attracts vulnerable people like migrants who cannot always defend their rights
Delivery riders in Germany have been striking for better pay and protections, and severance packages. Across Europe, couriers work in physically and psychologically demanding conditions, in rain or shine, and are at risk of being exploited.
It’s the kind of job that attracts vulnerable people like migrants who can’t speak up about low pay and unsafe conditions, and are forced to rent accounts in order to work. The EU has adopted a law to protect platform workers by forcing companies to give them contracts and job rights – but will it be enough?
This interview is produced by ARTE and distributed in nine languages thanks to the Emove Hub project. Participating media outlets include EL PAÍS (Spain), Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland), Internazionale (Italy), Ir (Latvia), Kathimerini (Greece), Le Soir (Belgium) and Telex (Hungary). Each receives funding from the European Union under the European Media Hubs call, led by the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect).