Labor on Online Platforms: Theoretical and Practical Issues

Abstract

Labor on online platforms has increasingly gained momentum in the recent years. However, there are still disputes regarding the nature of the established relations, such as whether such relations should be considered employer-employee, self-employed, civil law, etc. Foreign courts are recognizing these relations as labor relations more and more often, but the courts of the Russian Federation do not see it that way. As a result, workers on online platforms are still lack guarantees and benefits provided by labor law standards. The use of online labor has gained momentum particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not only connected with development of delivery services or taxis. This area also includes IT work such as web design, financial consulting, social media marketing, handling documentation, administration, creative professions, blogging, teaching online, medical work, etc. This format of employment provides the opportunity to combine work with family duties, looking after children or parents, staying at home, and working in the most convenient time. Also, this work format provides the employer with extra opportunities for business expansion and cost savings such as saving on office rental costs, utility bills, etc. However, online work blurs the lines between work time and time for rest, puts the observation and guarantee of health and safety requirements, standards of social assistance and social security of workers under question.