As countries approach the final deadline to put the platform work directive into action, workers have testified as to how it will help end “anxiety” over low pay, accidents and algorithmic management.
Platform workers, trade union representatives, policymakers and academics from all 27 EU member states gathered in Cyprus for the fourth edition of Platforum, the flagship event on platform work organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
One rider explained how being denied basic rights, such as a guaranteed basic rate of pay, has put their physical and mental health at risk. Speaking on the condition of anonymity to avoid reprisals faced by other platform workers, they said:
“It’s difficult to calculate how much you will earn. I have been doing this job for a few years and now I can calculate that the average is eight to ten euros per hour before taxes. It’s nothing. It makes me work longer hours than I should. I wish I could work for eight hours but nowadays I have to do ten. I’m anxious each day about whether I can make the amount of money I need to each day.
“I accept everything. I almost had an accident because of this. I was delivering like 70, 80kg of orders on the back of my cargo bike and it just fell. I was so focused on delivering it because I needed the money. If I get into an accident, what will happen? The company will not pay anything for me. I always have this anxious feeling about accidents. This is what goes on in my mind when I’m riding. It’s taxing, mentally and physically.”
The conference comes at a crucial moment, with member states now coming into the final year before the absolute deadline to put the platform directive into domestic law and ensure that there is:
- A presumption of employment for workers which allows them to claim their rights;
- Regulation of algorithmic management to stop key decisions over pay or hiring and firing being made without full transparency;
- The recognition of trade unions and the need for collective bargaining in the platform sector to prevent the further use of algorithms as a union busting tool.
The ETUC is calling on national governments to continue working with national trade unions to ensure that the directive fully delivers on the promises made to millions of working people, ensures a level playing field for companies which respect the rules, and means fewer legal procedures for member states.
Ahead of Platforum, the ETUC published a guide, ‘Negotiating the Algorithm: A Trade Union Manual’, to help unions ensure workers’ rights, pay and conditions are protected in the age of algorithmic management.
Andreas Matsas, General Secretary of the Cyprus Workers Confederation which hosted the conference, said:
“We are proud to host the Platforum here in Cyprus. Platform work is no longer a marginal issue, it shapes the future of our labour markets and the lives of millions of workers. With the adoption of the Platform Work Directive, the task is clear: every Member State must now swiftly transpose it into national law. The Directive is a landmark victory for workers’ rights and a crucial step to ensure fair working conditions, dignity, and protection in the digital age. This also includes the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, in an attempt to safeguard workers’ rights through collective agreements. As Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency on 1 January 2026, our government has a unique opportunity to lead by example by beginning transposition without delay and by fully involving social partners in the process. Europe is watching, and Cyprus must show that it stands on the side of workers.”
Tea Jarc, ETUC Confederal Secretary, said:
“The clock is ticking for national governments to turn the promise of the platform work directive into a reality which delivers rights for workers and certainly for companies. Millions of riders, drivers and carers have already waited too long to receive their most basic rights as workers, such as paid sick leave or wages which don’t fall below the legal minimum.
“The need to apply some minimum standards to the platform sector is becoming more urgent ever as it expands to ever more sectors of the economy and abuse of algorithmic management to exploit workers increases. Platform workers know better than anyone what it’s like to deliver under time pressure and now expect national ministers to work with their trade unions to implement this directive as soon as possible.”
