It's been highlighted that Wolt employs a significant number of non-Hungarian speaking workers, lacking fluency not only in Hungarian but also in any foreign languages, making effective communication impossible.

While Wolt has acknowledged the employment of foreigners, they emphasize their monitoring system for customer feedback. "We constantly monitor our customers' feedback, and if a delivery partner receives numerous complaints, we take appropriate steps - starting with a conversation, which, in some instances, could lead to the termination of the contract," a spokesperson for Wolt clarified.

CONTRASTING VIEWS FROM COURIERS

Contrary to the company representative's claims, sources reveal a significant presence of foreign workers who:

- Do not speak any language besides their mother tongue,

- Exhibit subpar work ethics and hygiene standards,

- Undercut Hungarian couriers by accepting lower wages,

- Overuse restaurant facilities.

A letter received by our editorial team starkly contradicts the image portrayed by Wolt's spokesperson. "After reading your latest article on Wolt, I was disheartened. I was a courier in a large regional city for three years, and my experiences completely contradict what was written."

The courier described an increasing number of foreign "colleagues" over the past two years, working under different structures and for lower wages, thus benefiting Wolt. These "colleagues" not only lack Hungarian and English language skills but are also described as managing orders and hygiene in a substandard manner.

The reader's letter, referring to primarily Pakistani and Vietnamese couriers as "slipper wearers," suggests that at least 90% of foreign workers are in effect guest workers, if not on paper. It mentions the formation of fleet companies employing these workers under different contractual conditions, allowing for wage reductions and avoidance of contribution payments.

Furthermore, the letter highlights a significant reduction in pay for the same work amid rampant inflation, suggesting that soon, only non-Hungarian speaking guest workers willing to work for minimal wages will be employed.

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

Prompted by the concerning letter, our team visited a downtown fast-food restaurant, where the manager freely aired grievances about the day-to-day issues caused by a majority of Asian couriers:

- Frequent unsanctioned use of the toilet,

- Taking lemonade without paying,

- Loitering around the establishment.

Despite our short observation period, the pattern described in the courier's letter was evident, with a majority of the delivery personnel being South Asians or Vietnamese, demonstrating the same lack of language skills and reliance on showing orders via their mobile devices.

While no outright theft or misuse of facilities was witnessed during our visit, the manager's repeated complaints to Wolt and the pervasive issues highlighted by both couriers and restaurant staff portray a complex situation requiring immediate attention from Wolt for sustainable resolution.