November 11, 2024 Fundamental RightsBy DICOPO

Platform Work Directive published in the Official Journal

Directive (EU) 2024/2831 has been adopted to address issues arising from platform work. Platform work is defined as a kind of employment that is facilitated through digital labor platforms, which utilize algorithms and automted decision-making systems. While this new business organization model offers new opportunities in the labor market, it also increases risks of employment misclassification, thus reducing access to labor protection. The Directive aims to reduce the phenomena of emplyoment misclassification, which can also create unfair competition. It also introduces specific protection for platform workers, stemming from EU principles of fair and just working conditions, data protection, non-discrimination, and workers’ rights. Key provisions of the Directive require digital labor platforms to provide transparency on how the algortihsm function, including how personal data is used. Also, workers must be guaranteed the opportunity to challenge automated decisions. Platforms must clarify employment relationships, so as to provide greater worker protection. Finally, it requires cross-border transparency, giving access on the data of platofrm workers’ working conditions and status to authorities.