STRASBOURG (dpa-AFX) - The EU Parliament has voted in favor of better rights for millions of workers on online platforms. On Wednesday in Strasbourg, MEPs spoke out in favor of new regulations which, among other things, are intended to prevent bogus self-employment. In future, unlike previously, employment will be presumed: companies will have to prove that no employment relationship exists.

According to the EU Commission, almost 30 million people in the EU work as so-called platform workers. This refers to people who offer their services via an online platform - for example as a food delivery person or driver. The authority estimates that around 5.5 million of these people are bogus self-employed.

According to the information provided, the law is also intended to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace: Accordingly, a person working on a platform may not be dismissed on the basis of a decision made by an algorithm or automated decision-making system. Platforms are also prohibited from processing certain types of personal data.

"In recent years, many companies have generated record turnover on the backs of platform workers, who often work for them as bogus self-employed persons without social security. The new rules will enable millions of workers to enjoy better working conditions, wages and social security," said Gaby Bischoff, spokesperson for labor and social policy for the European Social Democrats.

The delivery services market is now highly competitive. After the coronavirus pandemic, demand from a predominantly young clientele declined. According to a report by the portal "Business Insider", the Turkish food delivery service Getir could soon be dissolved - and thus also disappear from the German market.

The food delivery company Lieferando announced after the vote: "Lieferando already employs its couriers on a regular basis, with all the security and rights of permanent direct employment. The directive will make it easier for countries to enforce the employment status of platform workers and thus create a level playing field in our sector."

The EU member states still have to approve the project, but this is considered a formality./rew/DP/ngu