Millions of people working through digital platforms are set to finally obtain minimum wages, sick pay and other employment protections following the adoption of the platform work directive today by EU member states.
Trade unions were successful in including the presumption of employment with the reversal of the burden of proof. Instead of individual workers going through lengthy court processes to prove they are a worker, it will now be up to the platform corporations to prove they are not employees.
The directive also recognises the role of trade unions in all aspects of the platform economy, including on issues such as algorithm management. Despite calls for weakening these provisions, they were left untouched, confirming the strong need for the collective bargaining in the platform economy.
The number of people working through digital platforms is set to grow to 43 million people by the end of the year, according to the European Council.
Commenting on the vote, Ludovic Voet, Confederal Secretary of the ETUC, said:
“We won. Trade unions made the difference.
“Solutions are finally being brought forward to fix the scandal of bogus self-employment. Today’s decision means that millions of people working through digital platforms will no longer be cheated out of the minimum wages, sick pay, holiday pay and social security.
“It is not a moment too soon: the number of people working through platforms has risen by over 30 per cent in the 800 days since the Commission launched this legislation.
“During that time workers and their trade unions have fought tooth and nail to keep the pressure on. We are proud of all those workers who organised and their trade unions who delivered this massive win.
“Joining forces at European level was crucial to secure this legislation, which is the first of its kind globally. The strong commitment of workers’ allies in the European Parliament and Council got this over the line.
“Member States have persevered and have seen through the platform corporations’ smokescreen. Today they have sided with workers. We salute the Spanish and Belgian Presidencies of the Council for their determination to see this legislation through. Now is the time for national governments to prepare for rapid implementation.”
