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Wolt Drivers Protest In Limassol Over Falling Pay And Safety Risks

Labor Protest Highlights Drivers’ Plight

In Limassol, Cyprus, delivery drivers for Wolt have staged a protest, expressing deep concerns over diminishing wages and a lack of corporate support amid escalating safety risks. The protest, which unfolded on Friday, is emblematic of a broader struggle among gig workers against challenging working conditions in the modern delivery economy.

Calls For Change Amid Safety And Wage Concerns

Drivers from across the city joined the protest and warned it could expand to other areas in Cyprus if their demands are not addressed. According to participants, earnings have been under pressure since 2021, while safety concerns have grown, including reports of harassment, physical incidents and interference with deliveries that have led to vehicle damage. One representative described the protest as a call for change, noting that drivers plan to continue raising the issue until concrete measures are introduced.

Government And Corporate Responses

Authorities introduced additional safety measures in 2024 following a rise in reported incidents, including increased police patrols and the use of the 112 emergency notification system. Wolt said the protest involved a limited number of drivers and described it as a localised event, adding that the platform remains operational despite minor delays. The company also said it is in contact with driver representatives to discuss the issues raised.

The Collective Bargaining Milestone

In July 2024, delivery workers signed their first collective bargaining agreement, covering around 3,000 employees. The two-year deal introduced a minimum wage, a 40-hour working week over six days, a bonus structure linked to wages, and requirements for employers to provide safety equipment. It followed protests in December 2022, when drivers raised concerns over wage reductions amid rising fuel and living costs.

Industry Implications And Future Negotiations

The current agreement is set to expire in July 2026, with preparations for new negotiations already underway. Discussions are expected to focus on wages and safety conditions, as pressure within the sector continues.

Apple Schedules October 28 Event As Focus Shifts To Pro Devices And Macs

Apple has invited media and analysts to an event in Los Angeles on October 28, signalling a new product launch focused on its high-end devices. The company described the gathering as an “Apple Experience in Los Angeles”, accompanied by the teaser line “Pro and tell”.

The wording suggests a focus on professional-grade products, potentially powered by Apple’s latest in-house chips. The event also comes as the company appears to be moving towards a more frequent product launch schedule under chief executive John Ternus.

A More Aggressive Launch Rhythm

Ben Reitzes, an analyst at Melius Research, said in a Monday note that he expects Apple to unveil new Macs this autumn, including what he described as a touchscreen notebook. He also suggested that Ternus is introducing a “meaningful shift” from the two major annual events that characterised the Tim Cook era.

The October showcase will be Apple’s third product event under Ternus, who succeeded Cook last month. Previous launches included new iPhones, among them the foldable Duo, as well as a separate New York event focused on smart home hubs and HomeView, a screen-equipped speaker.

Macs Move Back Into Focus

Apple refreshed the Mac Mini and Mac Studio with new chips in August and updated the MacBook Pro in the spring, alongside the lower-priced MacBook Neo. The iMac, however, has not received an update since October 2024, leaving room for further announcements.

Mac revenue accounted for roughly 10% of Apple’s total sales in the most recent quarter, highlighting the iPhone’s continued importance to the business. Nevertheless, Macs have become one of the company’s stronger assets in artificial intelligence, partly because their chips can access more memory at higher speeds than many consumer processors.

AI Partnerships Add Strategic Significance

Apple’s Mac strategy is gaining importance as the company develops its artificial intelligence offering. Last week, Apple and Meta announced a partnership to bring a large open-weight model developed by Meta to multiple high-end Mac Studio systems.

A potential move towards touchscreen laptops would also mark a departure from Apple’s historical position. In 2018, software chief Craig Federighi argued that the ergonomics of touchscreen laptops could fatigue users, reflecting the company’s long-standing resistance to the format.

Apple shares have risen 26% this year, outperforming the S&P 500 as investors continue to respond to the company’s hardware margins and evolving AI strategy.

The October 28 event will provide another indication of how Ternus plans to reshape Apple’s product cycle and position its premium devices in an increasingly competitive technology market.

Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

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