Protecting working conditions in the platform economy: Moldovian-Lithuanian social dialogue

BACKGROUND

JWCPW is a collaborative research project on industrial relations in the platform economy involving five organisations, two from Lithuania and three from the Republic of Moldova.

In the wake of rapid digital economic growth and the proliferation of digital labour platforms, the nature of work has experienced a transformative shift, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This evolution has popularized teleworking and the gig economy, introducing a new category of workers—platform workers—who operate in a regulatory grey area between salaried employment and self-employment. Despite the significant increase in the number of digital labour platforms and the earnings of platform workers within the EU, these workers face precarious working conditions, lacking formal employment status, adequate social protection, and collective bargaining rights. This scenario presents a stark contrast to traditional employment frameworks, raising concerns about income security, access to social benefits, and the overall sustainability of platform work. The project is situated at the intersection of these challenges, aiming to address the unique vulnerabilities of platform workers through enhanced social dialogue and policy intervention.

Objective
The primary objective of this Moldovian-Lithuanian initiative is to fortify the working conditions and social protections of platform workers through the establishment of effective social dialogue mechanisms. By leveraging the expertise of a consortium that includes VILNIAUS UNIVERSITETAS (LITHUANIA), ACADEMY OF ECONOMIC STUDIES OF MOLDOVA (REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA), and other key stakeholders.

The project seeks to:

• Analyze the current legal and social framework governing platform work in both Moldova and Lithuania, identifying gaps and challenges in the regulation and protection of platform workers.
• Develop and propose legal reforms and policy recommendations aimed at improving the working conditions and social rights of platform workers, aligning with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
• Foster a cross-border dialogue between Moldova and Lithuania, facilitating the exchange of best practices and collaborative policy development to enhance the working conditions in the platform economy.

This project is pivotal in navigating the complexities of the platform economy, offering a targeted response to the emerging needs of platform workers in the context of rapid digital transformation and the evolving nature of work. By addressing the legal and social vulnerabilities of platform workers, the project not only aims to improve their immediate working conditions and protections but also contributes to the broader goal of ensuring a fair and inclusive digital labour market.
The outcomes of this initiative are expected to serve as a blueprint for other EU and candidate countries grappling with similar challenges, thereby reinforcing the European social model in the digital age.

 PROJECT RESULTS