Work Streams – Stage 3

On December 9, 2021 the European Commission proposed a set of measures to improve the working conditions of platform workers. If adopted into a directive, two scenarios are possible: platform workers will have a status of employees or platform companies will change their business models drastically to avoid this from happening.

This work stream aims to discuss these implications and come up with workable solutions for all scenarios.

Topics we are discussing:

• Understanding laid-out criteria for a rebuttable presumption of employment and what it entails for platform businesses (both for on-location and online work)
• Innovative solutions for platform business model reimagination as a result of the proposed directive
• Social protection solutions for independent contractors on the platform, whom the directive does not cover (creation of instruments that ensure the portability of workers’ entitlements across intermediaries may be needed, for instance)
• Access to social protections for those with employee status (further regulation may be needed to remove barriers to accessing social protection on national levels; e.g., removal of minimum income requirements; creation of instruments that ensure the portability of worker entitlements across employers)

The objective of this work stream is to address ethical/social issues related to the use of algorithms and AI technology at the workplace. After assessing the current situation and the pressing matters at hand, the group will discuss the need for algorithmic transparency and ethical AI.

Taking into account good practices worldwide, this workstream aims to come up with agreements between the different stakeholders on the extent of algorithmic regulation, restriction or data sharing with official institution. Key outcomes include managing responsibility for evaluating algorithmic transparency and ways of inter-platform algorithmic connections.

Topics we are discussing:

• Ensuring algorithmic transparency (assignment of tasks, price-setting, and monitoring) and addressing power imbalances caused by the algorithmic application at the workplace
• Developing process for ensuring AI ethical principles (as developed by various organisations (OECD, UNESCO)) are applied within organisations
• Algorithmic accountability (the right for decisions to be contested and processes that would ensure for that)

In the 2022 EU Year of Youth, the European labour market needs to pay attention on how the next generation is reshaping the future of work. The inclusion of young people in the working sphere is a key priority for the EU and this workstream will discuss how new technologies and global challenges have shifted the priorities of young people when looking for employment.

Topics we are discussing:

• Addressing youth inactivity (e.g., upskilling, apprenticeships)
• Creating a safe and comfortable environment for women and ethnic and racial minorities (online & offline)
• Adverse effects of remote work & ways to overcome them (e.g., mental health issues)