EU Platform Work Directive Receives Parliamentary Support
The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee overwhelmingly gave its backing to the EU Platform Work Directive agreement last week. Out of 40 MEPs on the committee, 37 voted in favour, three against. This now paves the way for ratification by the whole of the European Parliament next month. Why is it controversial? The […]
EU Platform Work Directive IS Going Ahead
After several years of back and forth, a provisional agreement has finally been reached meaning that the EU Platform Workers Directive will now be going ahead. The purpose of the directive has always been to protect workers from being exploited by platforms, with employment status being a key feature of the legislation. Presumption of employee […]
Bitter Blow For Gig Workers As EU Legislation Blocked
The much-debated and long-anticipated EU Platform Work Directive has been blocked due to member states either abstaining or refusing to support the latest version. The vote last week was already a last ditch attempt following years of negotiations. What is the issue? The proposals have been controversial from the outset, particularly in relation to the […]
EU Finally Agrees On Proposed Platform Work Directive
After more than a year of protracted negotiations, the European Union Council has finally agreed their Platform Work Directive which could see gig economy workers presumed employees even if they are engaged on a self-employed basis. The proposed legislation includes the following provisions: Seven criteria for deciding if a platform worker should be considered an […]
EU Platform Work Directive Delayed
Ironically, this week’s planned vote in European Parliament on the Platform Work Directive was prevented by workers going on strike, as travel disruption meant that MEPs could not get to and from Strasbourg. It was entirely unrelated to platform working, the general strike took place in France due to plans to raise the pension age. […]
Gig Economy Workers To Become Employees By Default
New EU rules mean that platform economy workers will be presumed to be employees of the digital platform that engages them. This in turn will require apps and platforms to ensure that their workers receive minimum wage, paid holidays and pension rights. Most of their workers are currently engaged as self-employed, and therefore with no […]