(Apparent) Flexibility: A Recurring Theme in Walkers’ Narratives
Flexibility emerged as a recurring theme in the narratives of interviewees regarding their job:
My feeling now is only studying and working. I only have morning classes from Monday to Thursday. I decided to study and doing other stuff from morning until afternoon and in the evening I always work from 6 pm until 10 pm. Then, in the weekend I also take afternoon hours for work. I move to the historic centre by tram or bus, and it takes around 20 minutes (one way). It is not a problem (Walker Ari).
In some cases, the job provided an opportunity to disconnect from academic responsibilities and explore Venice. As Ari noted, «I appreciate the flexibility of this job. I can schedule and cancel hours at my convenience; if I am not feeling well or in the mood to work, I simply cancel my slots. Walking around this beautiful city is enjoyable and refreshing». In other cases, health benefits were emphasised: «I sought this type of job because it fits into my spare time. Walking around Venice is healthy, and I am losing weight while exploring different places» (student-walker Gul).
Despite these positive aspects, it is essential to consider the formal restrictions influencing migrants to work as walkers. These constraints arise from various administrative factors, including EU and national migration policies that restrict mobility, thus making migrants more vulnerable.
Besides, proficiency in Italian was a pivotal factor in the decision to become a walker. For instance. For example,
Honestly, if I was in my country, I wouldn’t do this kind of job (courier). But I don’t know Italian and it is important to know it if you want to work. In relation to my current job (waiter in a pub), earning is more in my current job and with Glovo sometimes you can’t work (for example depending on the weather) and sometimes is not easy to find pick-up point or destination. I choose to move to another work for earning, because everyday I know I have a specific amount of earning, but in Glovo you don’t know. So, I change job because of the certainty of gain. For example, it doesn’t depend on weather, or the days, or not just walking. Glovo doesn’t have the certainty of customers for every day (Walker Ham).
The language barrier limits entry into the local labour market, making multinational digital platforms like Glovo more attractive. This limitation is reinforced by local platform providers, such as Cocaiexpress, which require proficiency in Italian. One Cocaiexpress owner stated, “The only barrier is for people who don’t speak Italian, due to internal logistical reasons, as we do not have an English application form” (Cocaiexpress owner 2). Recognising this gap, Cocaiexpress initiated a language project:
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