As Slovenia prepares to incorporate the EU Directive on Platform Work into its national legal system, key players like Wolt are calling for a transparent public debate. With the December 2 implementation deadline fast approaching, these changes will have a significant impact on the gig economy, employment law, and the way digital platforms operate in the country.

The Presumption of Employment Relationship

At the heart of the 2024 EU Directive is the presumption of an employment relationship. This means that individuals working for digital platforms may be legally treated as employees, rather than self-employed contractors, if they work under the direction and supervision of the platform.

However, Wolt Slovenia stresses that this should not be an automatic process. Clear criteria are essential to distinguish between a regular employment contract and a flexible freelance model. Key factors that indicate a worker is NOT an employee include

  • The freedom to accept or decline assignments.
  • The ability to set their own hours.
  • The right to work simultaneously for competitors or other service providers.

The Legal Framework And EU Standards

The EU Directive, adopted in 2024, sets a high standard for workers ‘ rights across Europe. It is designed to bring national laws into line with the established case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The directive aims to ensure that the actual nature of the work performed takes precedence over the formal description of the contract. By December 2, all member states must have incorporated these rules into their own legislation. In Slovenia, this process is seen as an important opportunity to tackle precarious work while maintaining a competitive and modern economy.

The Impact On The Slovenian Market

For expats and foreign residents in Slovenia, who often use these platforms to earn extra income, the transition is critical. According to Wolt‘s internal research, nearly 71 percent of delivery partners value the flexibility of being an independent contractor over the traditional security of a full-time job. In addition, the vast majority of couriers work less than 10 hours per week.

The aim of the new legislation is to strike a balance between

  • Higher wages and better benefits for workers.
  • Affordable prices for consumers.
  • Profitability for local restaurants and businesses.

Understanding Local Authorities

In navigating these changes, it is important for both employees and companies to understand the role of the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS). This body oversees tax compliance and ensures that employment status is correctly reported for tax purposes. In addition, the Ministry of Labor and various trade unions, such as Mladi plus, are actively involved in shaping the final version of the law to prevent precarious work.

Algorithmic Management And Transparency

Another important change brought about by the EU Directive is the regulation of algorithms. It ensures that no platform worker can be dismissed solely on the basis of an automated decision. Wolt has previously stated that their key decisions are not purely automated and that they provide annual reports on how their algorithms work.

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