Digitalization of work, platform work and the platform work directive – a move from the informal to the formal?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how the platform work directive (PWD) provides an initial EU response to platform worker grievances in relation to their legal status and to work surveillance by algorithmic means. And as the platform economy is largely unseen, the directive indirectly addresses the need to make it more transparent by regulating it. Design/methodology/approach The expanding digitalization of work, of platform work in particular, engages a substantial part of the European workforce. It also colludes with unnoticed or informal work practices, which is to the detriment of platform workers, especially those that perform gig work and who are often part-time, precarious, or casual. While platform workers have expressed their grievances, they remain fragmented and isolated. Hence, platform companies organizationally outflank workers, and their situation has not improved. Notwithstanding worker concerns with pay issues and the precarity of their work situation, two themes have been more in the forefront of platform worker discontent, namely their legal categorization and the algorithmic surveillance of work in work platforms. These have also been the locus of EU authorities concern, who are attempting to control platform work in its 27 member countries through the PWD initiative. Findings The adoption of the PWD is a step towards meeting some of the grievances platform workers have expressed. Its application is expected to regulate a substantial part of platform work, hence formalizing it, which would be beneficial to platform workers. However, its impact is as yet unsettled. Originality/value This is one of the first attempts to explore the PWD.