Setback for platform workers

The plans for a new directive protecting the right of workers employed through platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo have suffered an unexpected setback after member states rejected what appeared to be an agreed compromise.

The EU Council, which brings together representatives of EU member states, refused to ratify the provisional text of the directive at a meeting at the end of December last year.

This was a surprise as a provisional text had been agreed a few days earlier. The agreement followed lengthy negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and representatives of the Council.

This provisional text set out a series of tests that needed to be met for those employed through platforms to be considered employees, with full employee rights (See Labour Research, January 2024, page 8).

Although it did not go as far as the unions wanted, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) was willing to accept the provisional text as "an important step forward".

However, opposition by a minority of member states, including France and some states in Central and Eastern Europe, means the planned directive cannot go ahead in its current form.

With elections to the European Parliament in June, time is running out to approve a revised directive.

Discussions have already started between member states, but the way forward remains unclear.