EU Parliament strengthens platform workers: More rights against bogus self-employment

In a landmark vote, the EU Parliament has endorsed improved rights for millions of workers who offer their services via online platforms. The new regulation assumes employment status when individuals carry out work through platforms such as food delivery services or ride-hailing services. It is the responsibility of the companies to provide counterproof and to demonstrate the absence of a traditional employment relationship. This measure, which is intended to put an end to bogus self-employment, affects nearly 30 million platform workers in the EU, of whom an estimated 5.5 million are working in a status of bogus self-employment according to the EU Commission. In addition, the legislation includes provisions regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace. Specifically, no one can be dismissed solely based on a decision made by algorithms or automated decision-making systems. Furthermore, the platforms are limited in their processing of specific personal data. The vote was commented on by Gaby Bischoff, the employment and social policy spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party in the European Parliament. She stressed that many companies have secured high turnover at the expense of platform workers, without offering them adequate social security or fair working conditions. The new regulations will now benefit millions of employees, providing them with better working conditions, wages, and social securities. The European Parliament's decision still requires the approval of the EU states. However, this is regarded as a mere formality and it is expected that the legislative initiative will come into force without further obstacles.