Union Files Labour Inspectorate Complaint

FSC-CCOO has filed a formal complaint with the Barcelona Labour Inspectorate against Uber Eats and its subcontracted delivery companies for requiring staff to work during a severe storm on Tuesday 6th October 2026. That day coincided with red and orange weather alerts issued by meteorological services due to heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions. The union alleges the incident involved 'special seriousness and risk' for delivery workers, who were exposed to intense rain, slippery road surfaces, loss of traction, reduced visibility, and heightened accident risks while making deliveries by motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot.

The complaint is grounded in Royal Decree 486/1997 of 14th April, whose sole additional provision mandates specific protective measures for outdoor workers during adverse weather. FSC-CCOO also cites Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, particularly Articles 14 and 16, which require employers to assess risks and ensure effective safety protections for workers. According to the union, when orange or red weather alerts are active and existing preventive measures do not guarantee worker safety, companies are obligated to adapt working conditions, including reducing or modifying shifts. "Delivery activity cannot be carried out ignoring weather alerts or prioritizing delivery times over the safety and health of workers," the union warned.

Call for Investigation Into Company Protocols

FSC-CCOO is demanding that the Labour Inspectorate investigate the exact conditions under which deliveries were conducted that day, including what instructions were given to workers, which safety protocols were activated, and what measures Uber Eats and its subcontractors implemented. The union stressed that outsourcing delivery operations does not exempt companies from their duty to protect workers. "Occupational safety and health are not negotiable: no order, delivery deadline, or productivity target justifies endangering the lives of those who work in delivery," the union concluded.

Externalising delivery work cannot be used to evade companies’ legal obligations to safeguard worker safety.

The formal complaint was submitted on Tuesday 20th October 2026, following the incident over two weeks earlier. The Labour Inspectorate has not yet confirmed whether an investigation will be opened.

Reported by viaempresa.cat, ccoo.cat, elperiodico.com, metropoliabierta.cat, acn.cat.