Commission initiates process for possible future protection of platform workers
04 March 21
Peter Dunn
The European Commission is consulting on the possible need for EU-level action to protect the rights of workers in the gig economy, so-called "platform workers". The consultation document highlights seven areas that could be addressed, including their employment status, ensuring fair working conditions and access to social protection, and controls on the way that algorithms manage working relationships.
Spain's supreme court rules that Glovo riders are employees, and not self-employed
02 March 21
Carmen Mateas
On 25 September 2020, the Spanish Supreme Court ruled that Glovo riders are employees working within the Glovo organisation and following instructions set by the company. They are not self-employed professionals. The court also rejected a request to ask the CJEU for a preliminary ruling, considering EU law to be clear on this matter.
UK supreme court rules that Uber drivers are workers, not self-employed
19 February 21
Peter Dunn
The UK Supreme Court decided that Uber drivers are workers and not independent self-employed contractors. The court discounted the lack of a specific employment contract between Uber and the drivers, focusing instead on the fact that Uber was exercising control over their work. The employment status of gig economy workers, including delivery drivers, has been the subject of a number of court decisions in different countries.
La Poste to limit the increase in press distribution tariffs due to the COVID-19 crisis
03 February 21
Virginie Alloo
The French regulator, ARCEP, has approved a moderate increase in the level of tariffs for the transport and distribution of the press proposed by La Poste for 2021. The price increase was limited in line with a specific requirement imposed by the government following the COVID-19 pandemic. La Poste's increased tariffs for the transport and distribution of the press aim to limit the budget deficit linked to this public service obligation as a result of declining volumes and their associated revenues in the French market.
Amazon launches local platform in Poland, challenging Allegro
02 February 21
Monika Kačeriaková
Amazon launches its local e-commerce platform in Poland, competing with the market leader Allegro. At the same time, the leading provider of parcel lockers, InPost, serving Allegro, floated on the stock market.
bpost to continue operational diversification while proposing new proximity services where needed
02 February 21
Virginie Alloo
bpost recently presented a new strategy aimed at accelerating its transformation into an "omni-commerce group". The Belgian postal operator aims to continue transforming its Belgian retail network into a commercial network serving both partners and society. In the meantime, the government has extended for one year the sixth SGEI management contract that was due to end in December 2020.