On 24 February 2026, the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment in the case between the three Wolt couriers and Wolt Norway AS.
The case concerned whether the Wolt couriers are to be regarded as employees, with the rights that entails, or as independent contractors. While the District Court concluded that the couriers should be considered employees, the Court of Appeal reached the opposite conclusion—the Wolt couriers are independent contractors.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal placed decisive weight on the fact that the couriers were free to choose how much and when they wanted to work. This also applies when they are logged into the app. They do not need to provide any reason for declining assignments. A refusal also has no impact on their future ability to receive assignments. The majority of the Court of Appeal further emphasized that the couriers are free to take assignments from competing businesses without any negative consequences for them. It was also noted that the couriers must provide their own equipment, including a mobile phone, means of transportation, and work clothing.
Although there is some degree of control, which in isolation could support the existence of an employment relationship, the majority pointed out that this was no more than what could be expected in this type of work. This factor was therefore not decisive in either direction for the Court of Appeal’s final conclusion.
It remains to be seen whether the final word has been said in this case.
