Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Dermann (PS) wants to quickly submit proposals to the government to better protect working conditions in the platform economy and to ensure social protection for employees. He is considering, among other things, the assumption of an employment contract. Deliveroo fears this will increase legal uncertainty.
During question time, the minister received several questions on Thursday in response to the Brussels Labor Court ruling on Deliveroo bike couriers. The court ruled that there was no reason to re-check the co-operation contracts of the meal couriers, so that they can continue to work on their own.
Suggestions are ready
“I would like to quickly ensure better working conditions and adequate social protection for the people who work on those platforms,” Derman said. He supports initiatives coming from Europe, “but given the urgency, I already have concrete proposals ready to be put on the government table.”
Work accidents and the work contract
One proposal relates to the Work Accidents Act. “It is unacceptable that couriers who are exposed to accidents 15 times more than any employee are not insured by the employer,” the minister said. The second proposal introduces the assumption of an employment contract. Carriers are supposed to be employees, unless the platform proves they are not.
Delivery courier response
In response, Deliveroo fears the proposals will not correspond to the reality on the ground. “The moment the court helps clarify the courier statutes and determines that the couriers are self-employed, we believe the minister’s idea will only increase legal uncertainty,” said spokesman Rudolf van Nouvel.
Read also: Vooruit and PS always want to consider platform workers like Deliveroo couriers as employees
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