First phase consultation of social partners under Article 154 TFEU on possible action addressing the challenges related to working conditions in platform work

Abstract

In her political guidelines, President von der Leyen stressed that ‘digital transformation brings fast change that affects our labour markets’. She undertook the commitment to ‘look at ways to improve the labour conditions of platform workers’.1 The Communication ‘A Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions’2 describes the multiple opportunities and challenges Europe is facing with regard to climate action, digitalisation and demographic change, and underlines the need for an ambitious social policy moving forward. The Communication notes that the sustainable growth of the platform economy requires improved working conditions for platform workers. While some supporting measures for people working through platforms have been taken by some digital labour platforms, and in some Member States they were eligible for income support offered to the self-employed, COVID-19 has brought to the fore the need for a more systematic approach to the challenges associated with platform work. This consultation relates to a Commission initiative on ‘Improving the working conditions of platform workers,’ as announced in the 2021 Commission Work Programme3 , within the framework of the Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights. The European Parliament has released a report on “A Strong Social Europe for just transitions”4 , which calls on the Commission to propose a directive on decent working conditions and rights in the digital economy, also covering non-standard workers, workers on digital labour platforms and the self-employed. In November 2020, the European Parliament’s Employment Committee held an exchange of views with the Commission and different stakeholders on platform work.