A new study published by Austrian Chamber of Labour and Corporate Europe Observatory investigates the influence of online platforms such as Uber, Airbnb, Amazon, Deliveroo at the EU institutions. Based on numerous examples the study provides a glimpse into the tactics and goals of coordinated EU lobbying efforts by the platform industry.

Against the backdrop of the study we would like to discuss what impact activities of platforms have on cities; trade union, workers and social rights; as well as, consumers. In the anticipation of the upcoming initiative on the digital services and platform work, we will investigate which building blocks are needed in the new legislation. With the panelists we will discuss, which measures are necessary to restore fair competition, to protect workers' and citizens’ rights, and to guarantee that legal obligations are also respected by platforms.

14.00 Welcome and introduction
Alice Wagner (AK EUROPA)

Presentation of programme and speakers
Michaela Kauer (City of Vienna)

14.05 Presentation of the study “Über-influential? How the gig economy’s lobbyists undermine social and workers’ rights”
Kenneth Haar (CEO)

14.20 Views of workers, cities and consumers (interactive session with interventions)

Perspective of workers
Isabelle Schömann (ETUC)
Robert Walasinski (ÖGB)

Perspective of cities
Klemens Himpele (City of Vienna)
Heidrun Maier-de Kruijff (VÖWG)

Perspective of consumers
Maryant Fernandez (BEUC)

15:10 Reaction by the European Commission
Werner Stengg (Cabinet Member - Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager)

15:30 End of meeting

Moderator
Michaela Kauer (Brussels Liaison Office, City of Vienna)

The webinar will take place from 14.00 to 15.30, be held in English and streamed via MS Teams.

After registration you will receive a link to the online event. You can join the webinar via the MS Teams App or with your browser.