E-food distributors in Athens are staging a 24-hour strike today, with a work stoppage scheduled for tomorrow, as they demand improved working conditions and the protection of their labour rights.
The strike comes amid growing frustration over the company’s practices concerning labour and insurance rights for its distributors.
The workers, who organised a motorcade through Athens, started their march from the junction of Kifissia and Alexandra streets. The protestors traveled along Patission and Heraklion avenues before gathering at E-food’s headquarters in Neo Heraklion. Tomorrow, they are expected to rally once again at the same junction at 6:30 p.m.
Workers Demand Collective Labor Agreement
The union representing E-food distributors in Attica has criticised the company for attempting to undermine the labor and insurance rights of its employees. "The significant profits accumulated by E-food over the years are the result of the hard work of its employees," the union stated. Workers are demanding the signing of a Collective Labour Agreement that includes substantial wage increases for all employees.
E-food distributors are also calling for direct employment by the company, rather than being hired through contractors, as well as a minimum hourly wage for freelancers and insurance coverage for industrial accidents. Additional demands include guarantees for health and safety measures, the provision of personal protective equipment (as required by law), and allowances for those working in unhealthy conditions, such as call centre staff.
Exploitation of Contractors and Unfair Shifts
The protestors allege that E-food’s actions have led to worse working conditions for many of their colleagues, particularly those employed through contractors. They claim that contractors operate without regulation and with little regard for worker protection, resulting in lower pay and fewer rights for the distributors.
The strikers also argue that E-food’s recent decision to impose arbitrary work shifts, without considering employees' social needs or family obligations, is damaging their ability to maintain work-life balance. "We work more and get paid less," the workers stated, emphasizing that the company is pushing them towards contractors where exploitation is rampant and workers have limited rights.
Commitment to Protect Workers' Rights
The union has vowed to continue their mobilizations and to defend the rights of their freelance colleagues. “We will not let E-food destroy rights-based work,” they said, pledging to fight against the company's corporate practices, which they describe as unethical and unjustifiable. The workers are determined to protect the future rights of all those in the sector, ensuring fair treatment and decent working conditions for all.
The strike and ongoing protests highlight the growing discontent among E-food’s distributors, who are seeking better pay, job security, and protection against exploitation as the company continues to expand its operations in Greece.