Erkki Keldo, Estonia's Minister of Economic Affairs, has commented on the upcoming platform work law that is set to be adopted by the end of the year. The European directive aims to improve working conditions for gig economy workers such as couriers and taxi service providers. However, during a recent announcement, Keldo indicated that Estonia intends to implement these changes only in a minimal capacity, implying that fundamental aspects of the gig economy might remain unchanged despite the new legislation.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs emphasizes that the platform work law is designed to enhance the conditions under which gig workers operate, particularly as the platform economy continues to expand and evolve. With the rapid growth of the gig economy, many workers may find themselves without the social guarantees they have rightfully earned. Risks arise from algorithmic decision-making, leading to a lack of transparency and a challenge in contesting these automated decisions.

Moreover, it was pointed out that Estonia has faced instances where platform workers expressed dissatisfaction with their working conditions, leading to abrupt account suspensions for unspecified reasons. This situation raises concerns about the potential implications of the new platform work law, as the minimal changes proposed may fail to adequately address the grievances of gig workers, potentially perpetuating existing issues within the platform economy.