Wolt

Finland's Supreme Administrative Court ruled on May 22, 2025 that Wolt couriers are employees, not independent contractors, finding "characteristics of employment, such as subordination and limited autonomy." Despite this ruling, Wolt announced it would only employ approximately 100 couriers under employment contracts while 6,000 couriers remain as contractors. Finnish union PAM President called this "delaying tactics," noting 98% of couriers are "left without protection." Foreign couriers face deportation as Finland suspended entrepreneur-based residence permits for Wolt work.

After DoorDash acquired Wolt in June 2022 for $8.1B, the combined company laid off 1,250 employees (6% of workforce) in December 2022. The layoffs impacted Wolt workers including talent recruiters and sales trainers. CEO Tony Xu blamed aggressive pandemic hiring, writing "our operating expenses, if left unabated, would continue to outgrow our revenue." Affected employees received 17 weeks of severance and healthcare through March 2023. Wolt had contributed 3,700+ employees to DoorDash's headcount at acquisition.

Wolt gig worker delivery model. Couriers lack union protections.