Fresh from the audio press CLINT | Littler Explains! – Working in the Platform Economy, Explained! – by Merel Keijzer
Every other week one topic of Dutch Employment & labor Law is discussed by podcast host Jasper Hoffstedde and one of his colleagues. The listener gets easy and practical tips on how to best handle difficult or tricky situations. Today we present to you episode #7 – Working in the Platform Economy, Explained! – by Merel Keijzer.
The platform economy and how to shape it in labor law
Work platforms, you’ve probably used them – maybe even without knowing you did – but what are they exactly? Work platforms are the basis of the platform economy, consisting of apps like Deliveroo, Uber and Helpling. Consumers post assignments on these apps, which are accepted by workers to perform. Some platforms organize payment, handle complaints or even determine the worker’s fee. And for the division of work, these apps highly depend on algorithms, based on the platform’s input.
Platform workers generally were not regarded as employees, but in fact the above matters point into the direction of an employment relationship – as already judged by some courts. Platform workers may thus have been deprived from legal rights and social benefits. Merel specializes on the matter and shares her thoughts with you.
What is discussed?
Merel explains what difficulties need to be resolved to fit work platforms in labor law and society. How do algorithms influence the traditional employment relationship? How should we legally qualify platform workers and work platforms? Why is it necessary to do so for the society as a whole? Merel further discusses the state of affairs regarding European regulation and the possible implementation of the employment presumption. Which is also one of the key pillars of new Dutch regulation to be proposed on the matter in 2023.
Where to listen?
You can find CLINT | Littler Explains! on the major podcast channels:
Show notes and additional information
Listed below you will find the show notes for this episode. For an interesting read on the matter by our today’s speaker we refer you to her blogposts.
00:00:47 – kick-off; short summary of what will be discussed
00:01:23 – work platforms, you’ve probably used them, but what are they exactly?
00:02:11 – Clint said: “Society is at odds with itself”, which is fitting to work platforms too, says Merel
00:03:05 – what difficulties need to be resolved to fit work platforms in labor law and society
00:04:10 – legal qualification of platform workers and work platforms; a triangle
00:05:55 – the necessity of a correct qualification for workers and the society as a whole
00:07:01 – the state of affairs regarding European regulation; the employment presumption
00:08:23 – algorithms and their influence on the concept of supervision of platform workers
00:09:59 – 60 second recap and key takeaway; correct qualification of the labor relationship
