The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved measures to classify gig economy platform workers as employees and regulate how they are managed by algorithms. The “platform worker directive” introduces a presumption of employment, potentially reclassifying workers for platforms like Uber and Deliveroo as employees rather than self-employed. This classification would grant workers stronger rights and protections. The burden of proof in employment disputes will now fall on the platforms to prove there is no employment relationship. The directive also aims to regulate the use of algorithms at work and restrict the processing of certain personal data. It requires platforms to provide transparency on algorithmic decision-making and protect workers from unfair treatment. The directive will now be incorporated into national legislation within two years. The UK’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) has lauded the directive as similar to their own AI Bill, which sets out protections for workers in relation to automated decision-making. The approval of the directive demonstrates the global consensus on the need for regulation in this area. The TUC’s bill includes Workplace AI Risk Assessments, consultation rights, and access to information about AI systems. The TUC sees the passing of the directive as evidence of the timeliness and common sense solutions presented in their bill.
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