Selbständige statt Angestellte: Just Eat stellt das soziale Versprechen der Migros auf die Probe

Just Eat, once hailed as a leading employer in the food delivery industry and a partner of Swiss supermarket chain Migros, is now testing a business model that has been criticized for undermining workers' rights. The service, which dispatches meal orders to customers' doors using bicycles, e-bikes and scooters, will soon shift from employing full-time couriers to hiring freelancers, similar to competitor Uber Eats.

Just Eat's Switzerland chief, Lukas Streich, explained that "we need to be able to deliver more flexibly. With fixed couriers on shift schedules two weeks in advance, this is simply unfeasible". However, this transition has been met with opposition from unions and labor experts, who argue that Uber drivers are effectively employees, not independent contractors.

The same concerns apply to Just Eat's couriers, as the model could bypass mandatory minimum wages and vacation entitlements. The Federal Court has previously ruled in favor of this interpretation. Despite these legal precedents, Just Eat's decision to adopt the freelance model aligns with broader business interests, as the company seeks to cut costs while maintaining a strong reputation among business partners.

Migros, a major partner since spring, selected Just Eat as an exclusive provider due to its superior reputation compared to Uber Eats. However, the partnership has faced criticism from the start, with concerns that the company would push couriers to accept lower wages by routing them through subcontractors. With the shift to freelancers, the pressure on Migros to uphold its commitment to social responsibility is also increasing.

The company maintains that it is in ongoing dialogue with Just Eat and will monitor the announced organizational changes. Both companies insist on the importance of fair social and labor standards, but Just Eat emphasizes that protecting workers' rights remains a "top priority". The move to freelancers could present new challenges for both companies, as Just Eat is currently only using freelancers in Switzerland, while in the Romandy region, it must continue employing drivers due to a court ruling.

This regional variation is noteworthy, as labor laws within the same country can vary significantly at the canton level, creating significant differences in enforcement.