As part of the implementation of the Fairwork project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the First Interactive Workshop: „Towards fairer working conditions on digital platforms“ was held. The workshop was held on 17th November 2022 and was attended by representatives of relevant institutions, companies, platforms, trade unions, employers’ associations, international organizations and local non-governmental organizations.
The members of the Fairwork team presented the project, methodology and research objectives to those present at the workshop, as well as the preliminary results of the research, which stimulated discussion among those present. The participants highlighted the problem of the lack of legal regulations for the work of freelance employees and student employment, issues in contracting and paying employees who work fewer hours per week, as well as employers’ practice in prohibiting overtime work (which may also include work on platforms). It was highlighted that there are high burdens on employers and freelancers through taxes and contributions, as well as the issue of contracting employees through service contracts which require employers to pay taxes and contributions for health and pension insurance which cannot be used by employees. A special challenge is also the form of work of the platforms, which includes contracts with partners, who then contract work with employees (3PL model), and defining who is the employer in this model and who is responsible for ensuring fair conditions. Those present noticed that the freedom to organize trade unions exists in principle, but in reality, it is not in force and there is significant room for the improvement of trade union organization and cooperation between branch unions. In this context, it will be challenging to evaluate the fairness of work on the platforms, and those present supported the efforts of the Fairwork team in BiH and suggested that this project be expanded in the future to include other forms of work, including the traditional way of contracting and performing work.
We would like to thank those present for their time and participation in the workshop, and for all the information they shared with us during the workshop.
Photo gallery from the workshop: