The European Union's platform work directive, adopted in mid-2024, introduces a presumption that workers on platforms such as Uber, Deliveroo, and Staff Me are employees, unless the platform can prove otherwise. This directive seeks to grant platform workers rights such as sick leave, unemployment benefits, and protection from arbitrary termination. It also mandates that platforms be more transparent about their algorithms and provide better protections, particularly concerning health risks. Each member state, including France, is required to incorporate the directive into national law by December 2, 2026. Poor working conditions for platform workers have been highlighted by Circé Lienart, coordinator of the Couriers' House in Paris, who reports that wages are declining, the health of delivery drivers is deteriorating, and they are becoming increasingly reliant on the platforms. A report by the NGO Médecins du Monde found that 36% of delivery drivers suffer from intense and regular lower back pain, 32% report recurrent urinary problems, and 85% express chronic fatigue. Additionally, more than three out of ten delivery drivers in France lack access to health coverage. The NGO stresses the need for a strong and timely implementation of the directive to improve working conditions and ensure access to rights and healthcare. The French government, however, has suggested it may not meet the deadline for implementing the directive. On September 11, the Minister of Labor, Jean-Pierre Farandou, stated that a bill would be introduced by the end of the year and that the ministry is finalizing the text based on an expert mission. He indicated that the bill might be introduced before February, the end of the last parliamentary session before the presidential election, but expressed concerns about possible difficulties in passing it. According to provisional guidelines from the expert mission, France would not adopt an "automatic" presumption of employment but instead introduce a "substantial procedural facilitation" for platform workers seeking legal recourse. The government also plans to strengthen the Authority for Social Relations of Employment Platforms (Arpe), which facilitates dialogue between platforms and workers. However, Arpe is controversial, as it is perceived as endorsing a "third status" for workers rather than requiring platforms to recognize them as employees. Critics argue that this authority creates an imbalance of power, as platform workers often cannot directly negotiate with companies based in other countries. Circé Lienart criticized the delay in implementing the directive, stating that it shows the government does not take workers' rights and health seriously. European deputy Leïla Chaibi noted that the progress achieved in Europe would not have been possible under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron, who previously supported Uber during his time as Minister of Economy. France had actively opposed the platform workers directive at the European level. If France fails to implement the directive by the deadline, it could face European sanctions. However, such sanctions are typically initiated through a dialogue between the European Commission and the member state, followed by potential infringement procedures, which are lengthy. Financial sanctions are rare, and most European countries have not yet implemented the directive into national law. Spain, for example, has already introduced a presumption of employment through its "Rider Law," passed in 2021. The delay in implementing the directive has real consequences for workers, as it could lead to mass reclassifications, granting delivery drivers access to social rights such as contributions to the Sécu, sick leave, retirement, unemployment, and workplace protections. However, the government's approach has been criticized for not taking the issue seriously, despite the potential benefits for workers.