AEIP Publishes its input on the public consultation of the European Commission Guidelines on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed
On 23 February 2022, AEIP published its input to the European Commission Guidelines on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed persons. The draft Guidelines aim to make sure that EU competition law does not stand in the way of certain solo self-employed people’s efforts to improve collectively their working conditions. They are part of the set of measures to improve the working conditions in platform work and to ensure that people working through digital labour platforms can enjoy social rights and benefits.
In its response, AEIP highlights that the EU competition law must not hinder the improvement of the working conditions and social protection of solo self-employed platform workers and it urges the European Commission to ensure they can unionise and negotiate collectively and to guarantee a better balance in bargaining power and a fairer internal market.
Considering labour market developments and the increase of non-standard forms of employment, also accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, AEIP understands that it is most useful and timely to provide clarification on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed persons. Such Guidelines can lead to clarity on the scope of Article 101 TFEU concerning certain categories of collective agreements, thus protecting vulnerable solo self-employed and at the same time ensuring fair competition practices.
For the full AEIP’s input, please see here.