4th Trade Union Platfor(u)m

On 25–26 September 2025, the fourth edition of the Trade Union Forum on Platform Work, organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) with the support of FES Future of Work, took place in Nicosia, Cyprus. The event was kindly hosted at the headquarters of SEK Cyprus.

FES Board Member Kampmann Highlights a Decisive Moment for Fair Platform Work

The conference brought together over 100 trade unionists and gig workers from across Europe, alongside representatives from civil society and politics, highlighting the increasing importance of fair conditions in the platform economy and the urgent need for ambitious implementation of the Platform Work Directive across all EU member states by the end of 2026.

Christina Kampmann, Member of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament and FES Board Member, opened the conference on behalf of FES. She emphasised that the directive represents a decisive moment: current regulations will determine whether platform work becomes fair and sustainable, or whether existing inequalities are deepened.

Discussing Practical Solutions in a Political Panel

A key focus of the conference was how to implement the directive in a worker-friendly way, particularly regarding intermediaries and sub-contracting, which platforms increasingly rely on. Research and testimony from workers show that this model often results in poorer working conditions, illegal practices, and exploitation, particularly of migrant workers.

The conference highlighted practical solutions during a political panel discussion featuring Victor Ballester Alarcón from the Catalan Labour Inspectorate, Maximilian Schneider from the German Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs, and Leïla Chaibi from the European Parliament, moderated by Tea Jarc. Ballester Alarcón shared Spain’s approach: workers are recognised as employees of the platform, not the intermediary, and penalties have been imposed for illegal transfers of employment. He stressed that the focus should be on who controls the work through the platform, rather than who handles payroll or equipment. Schneider highlighted the complexity of implementing the Platform Work Directive, particularly regarding employment status, which remains one of the most challenging aspects to transpose into national law.

Sharing Knowledge and Strategies for Fair Platform Work in Workshop Sessions

Reports from across Europe show that governments are beginning to act, but platforms continue to exploit the system, relying on both bogus self-employment and The trade union movement is clear: only direct, accountable employment can ensure fair conditions for platform workers.

On the second day of the conference, participants engaged intensively in workshops, exchanging experiences and insights on key topics shaping the future of platform work. Workshops included Organising Migrants in Platform Work, Learning from Best Practice: Responsible AI and Algo-Management at the Workplace, Using the GDPR for Workers’ and Union Goals, Court Cases and Platform Companies, Online Workers’ Rights in the Platform Work Directive, and A Human Rights-Based Economic Vision for Platform Work and Beyond. These sessions provided a space for deep discussion, practical learning, and the development of strategies to advance fair and sustainable working conditions in the platform economy.

See you next year in Poland!

The next ETUC Platform Conference will take place in Poland in September 2026, continuing the dialogue and efforts to make fair platform work a reality across Europe.