JobsPlus Raids Food Courier And Cab Companies To Investigate Alleged Worker Abuse
JobsPlus has raided a number of food courier and cab companies as part of an investigation into alleged illegal labour practices.
According to Times of Malta, WT Global – the largest player in Malta’s largest Y plate market – as well as Ferrugia Fleet and Mela Cleaning – were all recently raided, with officials requesting pay slips, work contracts and other documents.
Fabrizio Ferrugia, the owner of Ferrugia Fleet, confirmed the raid and said they provided JobsPlus with all the necessary documents because they have nothing to hide.
This comes amidst a government decision to refuse new work permits for third-country nationals seeking to find a job as food couriers and cab drivers. Current workers who renew their work permit with the same employer aren’t impacted, but those who try to change their employer are being refused.
It also follows a strike by Bolt Food couriers who warned that the delivery prices offered by the platform don’t meet European standards and are significantly impacting their livelihoods.
Byron Camilleri
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, who recently took over the employment portfolio, said in a Times opinion piece that the strike was a justifiable response and a “poignant reminder that third-country nationals, despite their often-overlooked status by some, are human beings with dignity and inherent rights”.
“Though it may surprise some, this fact is a fundamental truth we must all acknowledge and empathise with,” he said.
“We should be proud of employers who care for their workers, but we should also abhor those who disregard fundamental rights.”
“The convenience of ordering food on an app and having it delivered to our doorstep should never come at the expense of workers’ rights. It’s a matter of great concern that we all should be actively engaged in.”
“The government is adamant that the food couriers’ case should be investigated thoroughly and that those who had to resort to strike action should not be dismissed from work, replaced, or face any punitive repercussions.”
“That is why I publicly urged workers to join a union and to report unfair treatment. Those involved in union activities are better organised and more protected.”
Camilleri didn’t address concerns that stringent restrictions on new workers will result in cab and food delivery fares shooting up, and Prime Minister Robert Abela ignored the question during an interview today.