Report on EVP Vestager meeting with CEOs of Uber, Wolt and Free Now, 30 November 2021
Participants:
(BOLT),
(Free Now),
(Uber),
(EU Move), EVP Margrethe Vestager,
, Werner Stengg (CAB Vestager),
(SG)
The CEOs of BOLT, Free Now and Uber presented their businesses in the EU and stressed their
concern with the upcoming initiative on improving working conditions in platform work, in particular
the introduction of rebuttable presumption.
The EVP stated that the rebuttable presumption is proposed based on a thorough analysis, building
on court cases and a wide stakeholder consultation. It aims at allowing reclassification of workers
without creating a third category between self-employed and workers.
CEOs stressed that the platform market in the EU is competitive and platforms are investing to grow.
The drivers have a wide choice of platforms to work for (80% of them switch between platforms).
This allows them to accumulate salaries which are higher than for employees and stay in local
communities. Supply and demand varies a lot, with peak fluctuations requiring e.g. a large number
of drivers during weekend nights. 90% of the drivers work a few hours a week and surveys indicate
that the single most important element for platform drivers is flexibility regarding the number of
hours they work and the choice of platforms. The presumption and the employment model would
kill flexibility and would threaten the business model to the detriment of both platforms and
workers. The drivers invest in licenses and transport requirements themselves and a majority do not
look for employment status. Locking drivers into one platform would create less competition and
less earnings for drivers. CEOs thought that the criteria for rebuttable presumption are too strict.
The EVP said that the number of recent court cases indicate that there are gaps in protection of
people working through platforms. The upcoming initiative allows for genuine self-employment, as
well as for part-
this issue, not the least through the EP.
The CEOs agreed on the need to ensure more consistency on platform work and social protection for
workers. They stressed that the young platform industry needs to evolve, but that drivers are at the
moment not requesting employment status.
mentioned their business in South America
which is not as successful due to very long recruitment procedure and strict rules. The CEOs stressed
that a proposal where there is room for flexibility so that those that want to remain independent can
remain so, would be welcome. Platforms cannot offer such flexibility for standard employees as it
exists at the moment.
week for same platform. The classification will give a worker minimum rights but there are still
differences between how workers work.
She concluded that regulation is needed as platforms have not taken measures on the basis of court
cases. Clear criteria for presumption will bring clarity and flexibility will stay as an option. After
adoption, the proposal still needs to be discussed in the EP and Council.