The European Parliament has renewed calls for the full and rapid implementation of the Platform Work Directive, pressing EU member states to align national laws with the landmark regulation aimed at protecting the rights of digital labor platform workers.
In a resolution, MEPs emphasized the need to guarantee decent working conditions for over 28 million people working through platforms across the EU—a number expected to grow to 43 million by the end of the year.
The non-binding resolution serves as a political signal to EU governments, urging them to accelerate domestic implementation of the directive, which was formally adopted by the Council on 14 October 2024. The law introduces a presumption of employment for platform workers—shifting the burden of proof away from the worker—and mandates transparency in algorithmic decision-making, particularly in areas like task allocation, performance evaluation, and automated discipline.
Parliamentarians expressed concern over false self-employment, inadequate social protection, and the unchecked use of algorithms to manage workers without human oversight. MEPs also called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and closer alignment with the directive’s provisions at the national level.
The resolution aligns with broader EU efforts to uphold the European Pillar of Social Rights and advance decent work. Lawmakers stressed that platform work can offer flexibility and innovation, but not at the cost of employment rights, dignity, or social protections.
The directive is part of the EU’s wider commitment to shaping a fair digital economy. Its phased implementation across member states will require significant regulatory adjustments, especially regarding how employment status is determined and how algorithmic management systems are governed.
The Parliament’s resolution arrives just weeks after the International Labour Conference spotlighted platform work as a global priority. With legislative momentum building, the message from MEPs is clear: the time for political will has passed—it is now time for enforcement.
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