Couriers in Croatia at the Breaking Point: Low Pay, Insecure Work
The explosion of online shopping has created an indispensable army of delivery drivers, yet their employment status lags far behind European standards.
The explosion of online shopping has created an indispensable army of delivery drivers, yet their employment status lags far behind European standards.
As Croatians increasingly order food and packages from the comfort of their homes, the army of couriers making it possible faces pressing issues. The expansion of platforms like Wolt, Glovo, and Pauza.hr has brought massive industry growth, but the workers behind the wheels and handlebars often labor under precarious conditions, for low pay, and without the basic protections guaranteed by permanent employment.
The core problem lies in the fact that Croatia's Labor Act does not recognize couriers as a distinct category. As a result, employers mostly hire them through intermediary agencies or, in the case of digital platforms, treat them as independent contractors. This leaves them without rights to paid annual leave, sick leave, or the security of permanent employment-a situation that already drove couriers to the streets of Zagreb in 2021 to protest overwork and low wages.
In parallel with the rise in the number of couriers, the market has become saturated, leading to a continuous drop in delivery prices and adding further pressure on already modest courier incomes. Experts warn that digital platforms use sophisticated algorithms to optimize routes and monitor performance in real time, creating an environment of constant surveillance and rush. Due to haste and often inadequate equipment, couriers face an increased risk of traffic accidents.
Comparisons with other European Union member states show that Croatian couriers receive significantly lower compensation and have less social protection. Although the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their crucial role in society and led to a surge in delivery demand, systemic solutions to improve their position are lacking. Labor rights activists and trade unions are calling for urgent legislative reform to define the status of platform workers and ensure dignified working conditions.
