The ride-hailing giant has followed through on a threat and is resuming its distribution network with riders as of this Wednesday. This development is reported by EL PERIÓDICO, a publication linked to the Prensa Ibérica media group, and the outlets claim to have received the information within days from company insiders. The company indicates that thousands of delivery tasks could be handled by workers who are classified as self-employed. It has already informed the Department of Labor about plans to reintroduce this operating model and to align it with the subcontracted fleet approach. The move aims to compete with Glovo, despite ongoing labor inspections and the implementation of new rules under the Employment Act, which seek tighter control over gig work and subcontracting practices.
Uber Eats has operated in this space for just over a year. The market regulator has pushed the main players in the sector to adopt new practices through regulations negotiated between employers and unions. Glovo remains the exception, maintaining most of its fleet under autonomous arrangements, while other firms face scrutiny over the use of fake self-employed workers and repeated inspection failures.
Officials have stated that following the pilot’s success, the company plans a nationwide rollout of the new model for all riders who wish to work as self-employed while complying with current laws. The updated framework promises important changes that grant delivery workers greater control over their activities, including the ability to set their own rates and determine work rhythms in a more independent manner. Source close to Uber Eats describes the approach as a way to modernize the delivery experience and empower couriers to manage their earnings and schedules more freely. These shifts come amid a broader push to align gig-economy practices with formal labor standards and to reduce the risk of misclassification and legal disputes.
From a policy perspective, the debate centers on balancing flexibility for workers with the protections and benefits associated with traditional employment. Advocates argue that clearer classifications and fair compensation systems help protect riders from income volatility and unpredictable workloads. Critics warn that rapid changes could complicate existing regulatory frameworks and lead to higher operating costs for platforms, which might be passed on to consumers. The ongoing dialogue among regulators, industry players, and worker representatives continues to shape how gig platforms design their workforce models in Spain and beyond. In this environment, Uber Eats seeks to present a model that respects current regulations while offering more autonomy to the independent contractors who deliver meals across urban areas. The broader objective is to create sustainable, compliant practices that support both rapid service and worker dignity, a goal echoed by multiple stakeholders across the sector. These developments are part of a larger trend toward transparent classification and fairer treatment of delivery personnel as technology-enabled economies expand their reach across North America and Europe. The emphasis remains on clear rules, reliable income expectations, and robust mechanisms to ensure compliance with labor standards while preserving the efficiency that customers expect from fast, dependable deliveries. The story continues as platforms refine their strategies to adapt to regulatory expectations, market competition, and the evolving needs of the delivery workforce, with the ultimate aim of delivering a reliable service that also respects worker rights. This evolving framework is being watched closely by industry observers, workers, and policymakers alike, who seek a balanced path that supports innovation without sacrificing essential protections for those who power the on-demand economy.