The need for stronger measures to protect delivery drivers and greater transparency over cases involving attacks against them was highlighted by Neophytos Timinis, General Secretary of PEO’s Hotel Workers’ Union (SYXKA).
Calls for more protection
Speaking after recent incidents, Timinis said the actual number of attacks on delivery drivers could be significantly higher than official figures because some workers do not report incidents to the police.
“There are just as many more that are not recorded,” he said, suggesting that fear could prevent some workers from approaching the authorities.
Timinis also criticised the measures taken so far, saying the police had mainly issued announcements and provided information to drivers rather than introducing additional protective measures.
Union seeks updates on cases
Timinis said the union had not received information showing that previous cases had progressed beyond complaints, statements and arrests to court proceedings.
He called on the police to provide details on the progress of the cases, alongside taking measures to protect delivery drivers.
“No one is above the law,” he said, stressing that violence against workers could not be justified.
Timinis said some attacks could be linked to attempted robberies or racist motives. Regarding the latest incident, however, he said there appeared to be no indication of a robbery based on the information available to him.
Dispute over latest attack
During the discussion, the journalist referred to information that a traffic violation by the delivery driver had allegedly preceded an argument between the parties.
Timinis said that even if such an incident had occurred, it could not justify violence.
He also referred to police statements that no racist motive had been established in the latest case, while stressing the seriousness of the attack and the need for those responsible to face the consequences of their actions.
Concerns over SOS system
Timinis also raised concerns about the implementation of the so-called “red code” or SOS system, which had been announced by the Justice Ministry to allow delivery drivers to alert others when they are in danger.
He claimed that only one of the three major companies was currently using the system among its employees.
According to Timinis, the Justice Minister’s announcement had amounted to an appeal to companies rather than a directive requiring them to introduce the system through incentives or other measures.
Timinis welcomed the speed with which police, according to the information provided, identified and located the two alleged perpetrators in the latest case.
He said the union would now await further developments in the case and the measures that would be taken to improve the protection of delivery drivers.
Also read: Limassol: Two men who attacked a food delivery driver located and questioned
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