This insight was written by the students who joined the WageIndicator Gig and Data teams as part of their internship program. The internship also allows them to contribute to the news collection and write blogs to give an overview of different platform economy topics.
Authors: Jazz Abrahams, Nomalungelo Manana, Motjari Kukuri (The University of Namibia)
The food delivery gig sector has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, propelled by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. However, this rapid expansion has brought about legal complexities, particularly concerning worker classification, labor rights, and regulatory compliance. Analysing the court cases data in Gigpedia, it can be seen that a total of 50 court cases are associated with the food delivery sector. These cases span across various countries and platforms, reflecting the global nature of legal scrutiny within the gig economy.
View the full dataset, including cases from the transport sector
What platforms are involved?
Among the prominent platforms, Glovo stands out with a significant number of cases across Spain, Italy, and Portugal, predominantly revolving around worker classification and labor rights. Deliveroo has similar trends, facing legal battles primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Italy, focusing on rider employment status. DoorDash, operating mainly in the United States, has encountered litigation related to minimum wage laws and worker rights.
Where are these cases?
Holding other things constant, Italy and Spain emerge as hotspots for legal disputes in our database, each accounting for 11 cases predominantly concerning worker classification. The Netherlands follows suit with 9 cases. In contrast, countries like Belgium and Australia have fewer cases, signaling relatively less legal scrutiny.
What do the courts say?
Among the rulings, 33 cases favor workers, indicating a growing recognition of gig workers' rights in the food delivery sector. Six cases ruled against workers, highlighting that gig worker protections are still debated and varied. This underscores the imperative for clearer regulations to define worker classification and ensure fair labor practices, balancing innovation with worker protection.
Check out the full dashboard to see all the cases, including the transport sector.