Wolt to end courier account sharing as it prepares to deliver alcohol

Wolt will prevent couriers from using another person’s account starting in August, the company’s chief executive Marianne Vikkula told Yle. The change comes as the food delivery platform prepares to begin transporting alcohol, a shift that requires courier identity to be verified by law.

Until now, couriers have been able to substitute one another using shared or rented accounts. Yle reported in January that many Wolt couriers were paying hundreds of euros, and in some cases up to a thousand euros per month, to rent accounts. Vikkula said the widespread practice of account subrenting, which has continued for years and recently seen rising rental prices, was one factor behind the decision.

The new European Union platform work directive also requires courier identity to be known. Wolt’s operational director Joel Järvinen said the company is preparing to comply with both the alcohol transport legislation and the new directive.

Grey economy unit ends ties with 14 couriers

Wolt recently set up a unit dedicated to combating the grey economy. Järvinen said that as a result of the unit’s investigations, the company has ended cooperation with 14 couriers.

Wolt began hiring couriers as employees at the start of the year. Järvinen said that currently about 100 couriers are employed directly. Of these, one third previously owned a courier account, one third had rented an account, and one third had no prior courier experience.

The company is currently negotiating a collective agreement with the Service Union United (PAM) for its employee couriers. According to Wolt, the negotiations are proceeding in a very good spirit and both sides aim to conclude them before Midsummer.