Glovo riders in Morocco, affiliated with the Moroccan Labour Union (UMT), have commenced a 48-hour strike today. The action protests poor pay and deteriorating working conditions. Couriers demand better wages, fair treatment, and transparency from the company.
Morocco’s Glovo couriers are frustrated. They earn a base rate of 6 dirhams (about €0.55) per delivery. This amount often fails to cover fuel, data, maintenance, or insurance costs.
In a statement made available to the press, the workers listed their demands to include, “We demand an immediate increase in the base rate to cope with the high cost of living and the degradation of purchasing power.”
The union also calls for the doubling of night rates, as evening deliveries face increased risk.
Other key demands include double pay and compensation during national and religious holidays. As well as full payment for cancelled orders, an end to the grouped orders system, and the implementation of algorithms that respect traffic laws and health and safety standards.
The workers demand the reactivation of arbitrarily blocked and suspended accounts.
“We demand the prohibition of any suspension without explanation or fair investigation, as well as clarification of pricing criteria, incentive systems, and disciplinary procedures,” the union says.
The riders’ grievances mirror broader concerns about gig economy exploitation.
In July 2025, similar protests erupted in Casablanca. Riders rallied outside the Moroccan Labour Union (UMT) headquarters. They condemned Glovo for low pay and a controversial map glitch. The app displayed a map excluding Morocco’s southern regions, labelled as “Western Sahara”.
This sparked outrage, as it was seen as an affront to Moroccan sovereignty. The company attributed the issue to a “technical glitch” and corrected it. However, the incident deepened mistrust among workers.
Glovo’s and riders’ loggerhead in perspective
Glovo’s challenges in Morocco are not new. The company has faced scrutiny globally for its labour practices. In Spain, its home market, Glovo was fined €79 million in 2022 for misclassifying riders as self-employed.
Spain’s “Riders’ Law” now mandates employee status for gig workers. However, Glovo has been slow to comply fully, hiring only 2,000 of its 12,000 couriers as staff by late 2021. Similar issues persist in Morocco, where riders remain independent contractors.
In Morocco, couriers bear all operational costs, including motorcycles and fuel. This leaves many struggling to cover basic living expenses. The strike reflects growing frustration with Glovo’s business model. It relies heavily on precarious labour, a practice criticised globally.
The company’s troubles extend beyond labour disputes. In May 2025, Morocco’s Competition Council accused Glovo Morocco of anticompetitive practices. These included exclusivity clauses with restaurant partners and predatory pricing. A surprise inspection of Glovo’s Casablanca offices in October 2024 followed a months-long investigation. The company settled in July 2025, agreeing to remove exclusivity clauses and pay a reduced fine.
The settlement included commitments to improve courier conditions. Glovo pledged an annual MAD 31 million ($3.1 million) for self-employed riders. It also established a MAD 5 million ($500,000) Courier Impact Fund for scholarships and training.
These measures aim to enhance transparency and fairness. However, riders argue that these changes fall short.
The 48-hour strike signals their demand for more substantial reforms from the company.
Glovo’s role in Morocco’s economy
Without a doubt, Glovo has made some immense contributions to Morocco’s economy since entering the market in 2018. Operating in 38 cities, it covers 80% of the urban population.
The platform partners with over 6,500 businesses and employs 4,500 couriers. Morocco ranks as Glovo’s fourth-largest market globally, with one in seven Moroccans using the app. A 40% surge in summer 2024 orders highlights its growing influence.
The company has invested over MAD 200 million (€18.5 million) in Morocco. Through its “Startup Lab”, Glovo mentors local startups like Paylik and VelyVelo. Despite these efforts, its labour practices draw criticism.
The strike threatens to disrupt operations at a critical time. Coastal cities like M’diq, which saw a 715% order increase last summer, could face significant disruptions.
Yet, it highlights broader issues in the gig economy. Platforms like Glovo offer convenience but often at the expense of workers. Low pay, lack of benefits, and precarious conditions are common complaints.
Morocco’s riders are part of a global movement demanding fair wages, job security, and respect. Their actions could inspire further reforms in the region.
For consumers, the strike may disrupt services. However, it also raises awareness about the human cost of convenience.
Supporting fair labour practices could reshape the industry. Glovo’s response in the coming days will be critical. Will it prioritise profits or address rider concerns? The outcome could set a precedent for gig work in Morocco and beyond.