"Glovo food delivery couriers in Morocco protest 'slave-like' working conditions" 3 September 2025

Glovo's food delivery couriers lined up at Casablanca's streets this week to launch a two-day strike against meagre pay and 'slave-like' working conditions under the Spanish-owned delivery platform...Wearing the company's yellow jackets, workers gathered outside Glovo's headquarters on Monday afternoon, chanting "Boycott Glovo!" and holding banners stating their demands...Backed by the Moroccan Labour Union (UMT), the action marked the latest clash between gig workers and one of North Africa's fastest-growing delivery services...

Couriers argue their six dirham (around $0.66) per four-kilometres delivery pay is inadequate, failing to cover fuel and maintenance..."They treat us like slaves", said Mohamed Ait Sebane, a protesting courier..."They underpay us, put our lives at risk, and refuse to even sit down and negotiate with us," Ait Sebane added, who also said his account had been suspended without explanation...During the protest, several riders wore masks and preferred not to give their full names to the press, fearing any punitive measures from the company...Couriers said they also cover their own expenses, including motorbike upkeep, phone plans, and insurance, while facing penalties for delays...

Strikers are calling for higher bonuses on night shifts, double pay on holidays, and compensation for cancelled orders...They also oppose Glovo's "grouping" system, which bundles deliveries and, they say, forces riders to rush across cities at unsafe speeds...Last year, the company apologised after its app displayed Western Sahara as a separate territory, prompting public anger...Glovo currently operates in 38 Moroccan cities, partnering with thousands of restaurants, while riders claim they remain under pressure from hidden scoring systems that encourage them to take risks...