European Union member states rejected a provisional deal that would have reclassified millions of people working for ride-hailing and food-delivery apps as employees. Last week's provisional agreement would potentially have cost the gig economy industry billions of euro each year, according to European Commission estimates. It sought to require platforms like Uber Technologies, Deliveroo and others to give full employment status to an estimated 5.5 million workers that are currently classified as self-employed. The European Trade Union Confederation called on the EU to conclude a new deal within the next six months. The European Commission proposed a version of the rules in 2021 to give gig workers stronger protections associated with employment contracts.

Source: Irish Independent December 23, 2023 13:05 UTC