Food Delivery Exploitation Ticino 2026 | Frontaliere Ticino
Food Delivery Exploitation Ticino 2026 — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.
Context
An investigation by the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office has revealed a worrying scenario in the home delivery sector, shedding light on working conditions that border on exploitation. The company Foodinho, part of the Spanish giant Glovo, is at the center of an investigation for caporalato involving around 40,000 couriers throughout Italy. The conditions described are dramatic: wages of 2.50 euros per delivery, well below the poverty line, shifts of up to 12 hours a day in any weather conditions, and a system of continuous control through apps that monitor every movement of the couriers. 'Punishments' for delays and the lack of dignified breaks complete a picture of serious exploitation. But what does this mean for Ticino? The border between Switzerland and Italy represents fertile ground for this type of abuse, with many couriers operating on both sides of the border. The situation is particularly critical in the areas of Chiasso, Mendrisio and Lugano, where the proximity to Italy facilitates the use of low-cost labor. The investigations, conducted by the Carabinieri of the Labor Inspection Unit, have revealed an organized system of exploitation that has been going on for years. The Spanish citizen responsible for Foodinho is under investigation for having used 'labor under exploitative conditions and taking advantage of the workers' state of need'. This is not an isolated case. In May 2020, a similar investigation led to the administration of Uber's Italian branch for caporalato, which at the time also provided home delivery services. A former manager reached a plea deal in February 2025, demonstrating how the problem is structural and persistent in the sector. For cross-border workers operating in this field, the consequences are serious: salaries insufficient...
Operational details
The regulations that should protect these workers are often circumvented through onerous contracts and classifications as 'self-employed' that actually hide subordinate employment relationships. In Switzerland, the Code of Obligations and the Federal Labor Act provide for minimum protections, but application is complex when workers operate in a cross-border regime. In Ticino, the Cantonal Employment Office (UCO) and the Labor Inspectorate have received numerous reports concerning irregularities in the delivery sector. However, the cross-border nature of the work makes direct intervention difficult, especially when companies are legally based in Italy or other European countries. The sanctions provided for in case of caporalato being established are severe: fines of up to 50,000 Swiss francs per company, revocation of work authorizations, and the possibility of seizing company assets. However, the practical application of these rules requires international cooperation that often translates into long times and complex procedures. For cross-border workers, the situation is further complicated by the need to manage two different social security systems. While in Italy the contributory system applies, in Switzerland there are distinct pillars (AVS, LPP, pillar 3a) that require specific contributions. Many couriers find themselves without adequate coverage in either country. Trade unions, both in Ticino and Lombardy, are trying to organize these workers, but the precarious and often anonymous nature of the work makes it difficult to form effective representations. FFS-CISL and Syndicom in Switzerland have launched awareness campaigns, but results are still limited. A particularly worrying aspect concerns the use of algorithms to assign deliveries and evaluate performance...
Key points
What can cross-border workers do if they find themselves in these conditions? First of all, it is essential to document everything: working hours, payments received, communications with the company. This documentation can be crucial in case of litigation. For those operating in Ticino, the first step is to contact the Labor Inspection Office of the Canton, which offers free advice and can initiate checks. The toll-free number is +41 58 465 69 11. For Italian workers, the Labor Inspectorate office in Como can provide specific assistance for cross-border cases. It is important to know your rights: in Switzerland, even workers considered 'independent' have minimum rights in terms of working hours (maximum 45 hours per week), mandatory breaks, and protection against discrimination. The use of monitoring apps must comply with the Federal Data Protection Act. For those seeking alternatives, there are cooperative platforms that offer better conditions. In Ticino, some workers' cooperatives are experimenting with profit-sharing models and democratic management of activities. Although often with fewer deliveries available, these options guarantee greater stability and protections. Another crucial aspect is social security: even for occasional work, it is important to pay AVS contributions. The AVS contributions calculator on our site frontaliereticino.ch allows you to estimate the amounts due based on actual income. Finally, it is essential to report situations of exploitation. Anonymous reporting to the Labor Office does not entail risks for the worker and can help bring to light systemic criticalities. Remember: knowing your rights is the first step to defending them. Source: Article published on March 16, 2026 on RSI Info, based on a decree from the Milan Public Prosecu...