EU: Platform Workers Directive

EU Council of Ministers approved the Platform Workers Directive, aiming to redefine employment status for platform workers across Europe. It mandates a “presumption of employment,” meaning platform workers will be considered employees unless proven otherwise. This move aligns with recent court trends and emphasizes worker rights in the gig economy.

The bottom line: The directive extends beyond ride-sharing and delivery services to include online platforms. The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) wants swift national implementation, reshaping the gig economy landscape. The directive includes provisions for worker consultation on algorithmic management, setting the stage for future AI workplace regulations as signalled by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Meanwhile: U.K. political controversy surrounds a raid by police and immigration officials on a campsite in Bristol in the UK where undocumented immigrants were living, most of whom were working for Uber Eats or Deliveroo. Read about it here.  

We will publish a detailed comment on this Directive when we have had a chance to read it in full. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

ETUI analysis of the Directive here.

ETUC wants Directive transposed into national law as soon as possible, without a two-year transposition here.