In a significant move for the food delivery industry in Cyprus, Wolt has become the first company to sign a collective agreement with the labour ministry and trade unions for its workers.

The agreement aims to improve the working conditions of delivery drivers who operate under fleet management companies.

Despite not being a direct party to the agreement, Wolt’s involvement was pivotal in reaching this agreement, as it served in a consultative capacity during the negotiations, the company said on Monday.

“Wolt was the only platform to respond from the outset to the ministry’s call and actively participate in the negotiations,” it added.

The collective agreement is expected to enhance the working conditions for delivery drivers employed by fleet management companies, who often work under challenging circumstances.

Wolt does not directly employ delivery drivers. Instead, the company collaborates with fleet management companies and self-employed delivery partners.

The company praised the efforts of all parties involved, including the labour ministry and the trade unions, for their commitment to achieving the agreement.

We welcome the positive outcome of the ministry’s efforts,” the company added, stressing “the potential positive impact on the delivery sector.”

Over the past year, Wolt and other delivery drivers carried out several strikes to increase pressure on delivery companies to change working conditions.

The drivers have repeatedly mentioned “critical concerns” that have been affecting their work and overall experience including decreased delivery prices, inconsistent pricing for short distances and discrepancy in delivery rates.

On top of that, drivers pointed out that, despite at times working in adverse weather conditions, the delivery prices remain the same.