🚴 Fine proposed
The Labor Inspectorate of Spain proposed a €30k fine for Glovo. It accused the company of violating employment discrimination laws. This comes after investigations into hiring practices that began in October 2024. The issue? Glovo’s job questionnaires asked about personal topics like gender identity, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
🔍 What the forms ask
In job postings, Glovo asked candidates to identify their gender, offering options like “queer/gender fluid,” “non-binary,” or “male.” It also asked about sexual orientation and ethnicity. Glovo insists these questions were voluntary, anonymous, and meant to promote equal hiring opportunities. However, the labor authority called this a “very serious” violation.
📢 Protests in Barcelona
Delivery riders protested outside Glovo’s Poblenou headquarters in Barcelona. The protest on August 16, 2021, highlighted broader grievances about worker rights. While the €30k fine is about discrimination, riders continue to push for better treatment overall. Glovo hasn’t officially received the fine yet but remains under scrutiny.
📝 Glovo’s response
Glovo stated the survey is part of its diversity efforts and “has no effect” on hiring. Critics argue the approach crosses legal and ethical lines. Spain's employment law prohibits collecting sensitive personal data without clear justification. The case raises questions about corporate responsibility and data collection boundaries.
Should companies ask for personal data to promote diversity?
