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We are an association of couriers and ride-hailing drivers who work for digital platforms ourselves. A platform worker often carries the responsibilities of a self-employed business owner, even though the app largely sets the conditions of the work: how many jobs they get, at what pay, and whether their account stays active.

We do not call for moving everyone into employment, nor for keeping things as they are. We want people to keep the option of working as self-employed while having minimum guarantees: understandable pay, a fair process when an account is deactivated, transparent algorithms and the right to be represented.

The Czech platform work bill: where it stands

The bill is meant to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/2831 on improving working conditions in platform work into Czech law. The transposition deadline is 2 December 2026. The Chamber of Deputies is debating the bill as parliamentary print no. 301.

  1. March–April 2026Inter-ministerial consultationWe submitted our comments as part of the comments of ČMKOS, the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions.
  2. 31 August 2026Government approved the bill
  3. 8 September 2026Bill submitted to the Chamber of Deputies (print 301)
  4. 16 October 2026First readingMotions to reject the bill and to return it to the government both failed.
  5. October–November 2026Committees Right nowThe Social Policy Committee (lead committee) and the Economic Committee have one month instead of the usual two. This is where amendments are decided.
  6. not yet scheduledSecond and third reading
  7. not yet scheduledSenate and President’s signature
  8. proposed: 1 January 2027Entry into forceThe proposed date comes after the transposition deadline and may still change.

In parallel, the Chamber is debating an amendment to the Labour Code (print 300) that changes the general definition of dependent work. The presumption of an employment relationship in the platform work bill relies on that definition. The first reading of print 300 began on 16 October and had not finished as of 19 October.

Five amendments we are pushing for

1Representation for self-employed platform workers too
The problem

The bill gives the rights to detailed information on automated systems, to consultation on changes and to a communication channel only to employee representatives, meaning trade unions or works councils, where they exist at the platform. On platforms where most people work as self-employed, there usually are none. Yet the Directive allows representatives of people who are not employees to be included.

What we propose

Extend these rights to organisations representing platform workers regardless of their contractual status, under clear conditions: independence from platforms and fleets, transparent funding and a verifiable membership.

2A presumption that “log in whenever you like” cannot rebut
The problem

A platform rebuts the presumption of an employment relationship if a single feature of dependent work is missing. The Labour Code amendment lists working within working time among these features. Workers can log into the app at any time, but bonuses and better jobs often go to those who drive when the platform needs them.

What we propose

Take indirect control of working time by the algorithm into account, in the law or at least in the Ministry of Labour’s methodology. This is not blanket reclassification: anyone who is genuinely independent stays self-employed.

3A safe way to have employment status determined
The problem

Under the bill, a complaint to the labour inspectorate cannot be filed anonymously, and the platform is asked to respond to it. Anyone afraid of being deactivated will not file one under their own name. An explicit right to have status determined by a court, included in an earlier draft, has been dropped.

What we propose

Allow workers’ representatives to file complaints, make sure the complainant learns the outcome and the reasons, and restore the explicit right to a court ruling on status. We welcome that, under the parallel amendment, workers themselves would no longer be fined for performing illegal work.

4Clear responsibility along the chain: platform, fleet, worker
The problem

Many couriers and drivers work through fleet operators. The platform shares its list of intermediaries with the authorities and employee representatives, but not with the workers themselves. Alongside honest fleets, there are some that rely on straw-man owners or repeated insolvencies, at the expense of workers, the state and fair competitors.

What we propose

Require platforms to vet intermediaries before signing a contract and on an ongoing basis, and make sure every worker knows who their contractual partner is.

5Deactivation with human review, without loopholes
What the bill brings

A human must decide to restrict or terminate an account. The decision must be justified in writing and, on request, reviewed within 15 days. We support this.

The problem

The rules on explanation and review do not apply to “business users of online intermediation services”. The bill does not explain whom this covers, and platforms could invoke the exception precisely for self-employed drivers and couriers.

What we propose

Define clearly whom the exception covers and, before a permanent deactivation, give the worker a chance to respond, except where there is an imminent safety risk.

We are happy to share our detailed briefing (in Czech), with references to specific sections of prints 301 and 300, on request.

Sources (in Czech): print 301 at psp.cz, print 300 at psp.cz, ČTK, 16 October 2026.

News


  1. Coming up

    Seminar in Parliament on the definition of dependent work and the platform work bill

    On Friday 23 October, a seminar titled “Employees vs. the change in the definition of dependent work: Protecting vulnerable groups in the digital age” takes place in the Konírna hall of the Chamber of Deputies. It is organised by MP Irena Ferčíková Konečná (Greens) under the auspices of MPs Hana Ančincová (Pirates), Pavla Pivoňka Vaňková (STAN), Monika Brzesková (KDU-ČSL) and Zdeňka Blišťanová (TOP 09), in cooperation with APP ČR, Institut aktivního občanství, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and ČMKOS. The first session covers the definition of dependent work, the second the platform work bill. The chair of APP ČR will speak at 11:00 with a view from the field.

    Why it matters: the seminar takes place while the committees decide on amendments to both bills, and it follows up on the May seminar where couriers and drivers spoke in Parliament directly.

    The seminar is held in Czech. Attendance must be confirmed in advance, by 22 October. Would you like to attend? Email us at predseda@appcr.eu. You need an ID to enter the Parliament building.

  2. The Chamber sent the bill to committees. Our demands were raised in the debate

    The platform work bill passed its first reading. Motions to reject it and to return it to the government both failed. The Social Policy Committee and the Economic Committee have one month instead of the usual two. During the debate, MP Irena Ferčíková Konečná referred to APP ČR’s demands and called on the Minister of Labour to invite the association to the negotiating table.

    Why it matters: platform workers’ voice is now on the official record of the Chamber. That does not mean our demands have made it into the bill. That will be decided by the committees and the next readings.

    More (in Czech): ČTK report and the transcript of the 34th session of the Chamber.

  3. We gave the bill’s rapporteur five specific amendments

    We went through the five amendments described above with the rapporteur for print 301 and asked to speak when the Social Policy Committee discusses the bill.

    Why it matters: the rapporteur guides the bill through the process, and amendments with a chance of passing are worked out with them.

  4. Gdańsk: European forum on platform work

    We took part in the 5th Platforum, organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). We made contacts with representatives of platform workers from Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany and the United Kingdom. We are in talks with the UK organisation Worker Info Exchange about including the Czech Republic in its analysis of how platforms pay drivers.

    Why it matters: Czech experience is entering the European debate, and we learn from what works elsewhere. These are contacts and ongoing talks, not formal membership of a European organisation.

  5. The government approved the bill. We want Parliament to improve it

    The government approved the bill on 31 August and submitted it to the Chamber of Deputies on 8 September. We asked MPs for changes to the presumption of an employment relationship, human review of algorithmic decisions, worker representation and the responsibility of platforms and intermediaries. We reject the idea that the only alternative to better protection is moving everyone into employment.

    Covered (in Czech) by ČTK, Advokátní deník and E15.

  6. Meeting at the Ministry of Industry and Trade

    With Ing. Pavel Vinkler, head of the Ministry’s Business and Digitalisation Section, we discussed the bill’s impact on the business environment and on self-employed people working through platforms.

    Why it matters: the bill is drafted by the Ministry of Labour, but it also affects business. We want both ministries to hear our experience.

  7. Agreement on regular meetings with the Confederation of Commerce and Tourism

    We agreed with Tomáš Prouza, President of the Confederation of Commerce and Tourism of the Czech Republic (SOCR ČR), to meet regularly at a round table. The Confederation supports the government bill; we want to change it.

    Why it matters: precisely because we disagree, it makes sense to talk directly.

  8. Seminar “Opportunity for whom? The Czech platform law through couriers’ eyes”

    Together with MPs Irena Ferčíková Konečná and Hana Ančincová, we organised a seminar in the Konírna hall of the Chamber of Deputies where couriers and drivers spoke directly. ČMKOS President Josef Středula also spoke at the press conference.

    Why it matters: at the March seminar on platform work in Parliament, no couriers or drivers spoke. In May, they had the floor.

    More (in Czech): ČMKOS on the seminar and the ČTK report.

Earlier news (March–May 2026)

  1. Entered in the register of associations

    The association was entered in the register of associations kept by the Municipal Court in Prague under file no. L 81959.

  2. Workers’ perspective in Hospodářské noviny

    In an interview, we described how platform work functions from the perspective of those who do it: the role of algorithms, the real conditions of couriers and drivers, and why the relationship between platforms and workers needs to be rebalanced.

    Interview in Hospodářské noviny (in Czech, may require a subscription)

  3. APP ČR in the media

    In an article for Seznam Zprávy, we explained why the association was being founded and why platform workers need their own representation when the rules are made.

    Article in Seznam Zprávy (in Czech)

  4. First meeting with the Ministry of Labour

    We met JUDr. Otakar Duchek, adviser to the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and presented workers’ practical perspective on the draft law.

  5. We launched our website and opened membership

    The association was founded so that couriers, drivers and other digital platform workers have their own voice in the preparation of the platform work law.

What we work on

OngoingIn preparationCompletedAwaiting developments

Legislation and workers’ rightsOngoing

We follow and comment on the platform work bill (print 301) and the Labour Code amendment (print 300). In the spring consultation, we submitted our comments as part of ČMKOS’s comments. For the government version, we prepared an analysis and five specific amendments. Next step: the committee stage.

Worker representationOngoing

We want platforms to be obliged to deal with workers’ representatives, whether those workers are employees or self-employed. The bill currently provides only for employee representatives. In June, we agreed on regular meetings with the Confederation of Commerce and Tourism of the Czech Republic.

Engagement with politicians and institutionsOngoing

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: meeting with the Minister’s adviser JUDr. Otakar Duchek. Ministry of Industry and Trade: meeting with Ing. Pavel Vinkler. Ministry of Transport: a written position prepared at its request. MPs: seminars with MPs Irena Ferčíková Konečná and Hana Ančincová, meetings with Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) and with the rapporteur for print 301. We want to talk to everyone who decides on the law.

European cooperationOngoing

In September, we attended the ETUC forum on platform work in Gdańsk, and we keep in touch with platform worker organisations from several countries. We are in talks with Worker Info Exchange (UK) about including the Czech Republic in its analysis of driver pay. These are contacts and talks, not formal membership.

Practical support for workersOngoing

We help individually: finding one’s way after an account deactivation, in disputes with a platform or fleet, and by putting people in touch with experts. With Integrační centrum Praha (Integration Centre Prague), we are finishing a leaflet for workers from abroad on how to find their way in platform and fleet work.

Member servicesIn preparation

Today we help members individually by putting them in touch with a lawyer, accountant or insurer. We are negotiating better terms with partners. We will publish a full offer for all members once it is secured by contract.

Growing the association and partnershipsOngoing

Our membership is in the low hundreds and made up of couriers and drivers. We work with ČMKOS lawyers, the Re-set platform (consultations and training), researchers from RILSA (Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs) and the STEM/MARK agency, whose survey of people working for digital platforms we supported by reaching out to respondents. We are revising our statutes and completing our entry in the Czech lobbying register.

Progress so far and open issues

Documented steps

  • Together with MPs, we organised a seminar in Parliament (28 May), and our demands were raised in the debate on print 301 (16 October).
  • We are in direct contact with the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport and the bill’s rapporteur.
  • We submitted our comments in the consultation process through ČMKOS.
  • Our perspective has been covered by Czech Television, ČTK, Hospodářské noviny, Seznam Zprávy and E15.
  • We have established contacts with platform worker organisations across Europe.

Not achieved yet

  • The bill gives no representation rights to organisations of self-employed workers.
  • The explicit right to a court ruling on employment status was dropped during drafting.
  • The Ministry of Labour’s working group that drafted the bill did not include any platform worker organisation.
  • The bill does not address pay, insurance or other working conditions of the self-employed, as its explanatory memorandum itself states.
  • The proposed entry into force (1 January 2027) comes after the transposition deadline (2 December 2026).

Coming up

  • Confirmed23 October: seminar in Parliament, speech by the APP ČR chair
  • RequestedA speaking slot when the Social Policy Committee discusses the bill
  • In progressSpecific wording of the five amendments for MPs
  • In progressLeaflet for workers from abroad with Integration Centre Prague
  • In talksIncluding the Czech Republic in the Worker Info Exchange analysis
  • PlannedSurvey of platform workers with RILSA researchers
  • PlannedA full offer of support and benefits for all members
  • Long-term goalCloser cooperation among platform worker organisations in Europe

What it means for you

The law is not in force yet. Until Parliament passes it and it takes effect, the current rules apply. The proposed date of 1 January 2027 may still change.

What would change if the bill passes as it stands

  • If the facts point to dependent work, you would be presumed to be in an employment relationship, and the platform would have to prove otherwise.
  • You could file a written complaint with the labour inspectorate to have your status assessed. Under the bill, this could not be done anonymously.
  • The platform would have to inform you about the automated systems that make decisions about your work, and important decisions would require human oversight.
  • A human would have to decide on restricting or terminating your account. The decision must be justified in writing and, at your request, reviewed within 15 days.
  • Personal data protection would cover all platform workers, including the self-employed.
  • Workers themselves would no longer be fined for performing illegal work (under the parallel amendment, print 300).

What the law will not change

The bill does not regulate pay, insurance, vehicle costs or other working conditions of the self-employed. That is why we are pushing for further changes and for representation that would allow these issues to be negotiated.

What you can do today

  • Under the GDPR, you have the right to request a copy of the personal data a platform processes about you.
  • Keep screenshots of your earnings, job offers and messages with support, especially if your account is blocked.
  • If you work through a fleet, find out exactly who your contract is with and who pays you.
  • If you are deactivated or in a dispute, write to us. We will help you find your way and, if needed, put you in touch with an expert.

This is general information about Czech law and does not replace legal advice.

In the media

All articles are in Czech.

Get involved

  • Become a member

    The more of us there are, the stronger our voice for all couriers and drivers.

    Member registration

  • Sign the petition

    The petition sums up what we want from the rules on platform work.

    Go to the petition

  • Share your experience

    Deactivation, pay changes, problems with a fleet: every documented case helps us in negotiations. We will not publish it without your consent.

    Email predseda@appcr.eu, phone +420 721 70 60 60

  • Follow developments

    We update this page at least once a month and after every major event.

Information on the legislative process was verified on 19 October 2026 at psp.cz. If you spot an error or inaccuracy, please write to us at predseda@appcr.eu.