‘No Room For Abuse’: Byron Camilleri Pushes For Unionisation Of Food Couriers
Food delivery couriers working with apps like Bolt and Wolt could soon all be unionised, Employment Minister Byron Camilleri confirmed on Wednesday.
Camilleri said that during a recent meeting, he was told the next step is for every worker in the sector, along with their platform, to be part of a union and covered by a collective agreement.
“This is a positive step,” the minister said. “We will continue to insist that there is no room for abuse in our country, and that all workers operate on a level playing field. We will remain vigilant.”
He added that government has been “very firm” with both the platforms and the fleets that employ couriers directly, even going so far as to refuse new applications.
Working conditions in the food delivery industry have long been controversial, with most couriers being third-country nationals. Over the past year, the General Workers Union (GWU) – often seen as more welcoming to foreign workers – has led a recruitment drive among couriers. Around 200 workers have already signed up.
But despite the union push and new rules introduced in January 2023, many couriers say life is only getting tougher. Pay is going down, and long hours are the only way to survive.
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