New regulation affecting hundreds of thousands, including motorcycle couriers: Those providing services to digital platforms

The government has begun preparing a regulation to clarify the legal status of hundreds of thousands of people who work through digital platforms such as Yemeksepeti, Armut, and Uber, the majority of whom are motorcycle couriers. While it is argued that there is uncertainty regarding the legal status of individuals working in these fields, the regulation will clarify whether these individuals will be classified as employees, independent workers, or whether they will be included in a new employment category.

LEGAL STATUS OF WORKERS TO BE DEFINED

According to a report by Önder Yılmaz from Sabah Newspaper, the study conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will define the legal status of those providing services to digital platforms, primarily motorcycle couriers. It will be clarified which of the statuses—employee, freelancer, or independent contractor—they fall under. The boundaries of the algorithms that determine the workers' job acquisition processes, performance evaluations, and remuneration systems will be drawn.

Flexibility processes, such as workers' ability to determine their own working hours and to work or rest whenever they wish, will be preserved. Occupational health and safety criteria will be established, and the rights of those working for these platforms will be protected. The path for professional competence and certification studies will be opened. Decision-making processes will be reorganized. Rights that ensure the "job security" of workers will be protected. The risk of arbitrary dismissal, where platforms can unilaterally terminate the employment relationship, will be eliminated. A foundation will be established for them to benefit from unemployment insurance, health insurance, and retirement rights. The lack of unionization will be addressed. The rules that will bring the ecosystem created by digital platforms under registration will be clarified while preserving flexibility.

INSURANCE PREMIUMS TO BE DEDUCTED AT SOURCE

According to the report, which notes that workers in jobs such as courier, cleaning, maintenance, cargo, and food delivery tend to avoid paying their BAĞ-KUR premiums and seek to have them erased, a facility for premium payments will be provided to these individuals. With the new regulation, social security premiums will be deducted at the source before the worker's payment is made.

News Source: 12punto