{"id":7724,"date":"2025-04-15T14:52:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T13:52:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/?post_type=agora_article&#038;p=7724"},"modified":"2025-05-08T13:31:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T12:31:05","slug":"uberisation-a-prediction-we-made-years-ago","status":"publish","type":"agora_article","link":"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/en\/agora_article\/uberisation-a-prediction-we-made-years-ago\/","title":{"rendered":"Uberisation : A Prediction We Made Years Ago"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1 wpb_column vc_column_container prevcolumn hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles has_bg_color stretched\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_7de2aec7\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-iconbox iconpos_left style_default color_primary align_right no_text\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:1em;\"><i class=\"far fa-arrow-left\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><span class=\"w-iconbox-title\">Previous<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-10 wpb_column vc_column_container hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h1 class=\"w-post-elm post_title us_custom_9bb7a90a entry-title color_link_inherit\">Uberisation : A Prediction We Made Years Ago<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container hide_on_default hide_on_laptops\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-hwrapper valign_middle align_center\" style=\"--hwrapper-gap:1rem\"><div class=\"w-iconbox iconpos_left style_default color_primary align_right no_text\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:1em;\"><i class=\"far fa-arrow-left\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><span class=\"w-iconbox-title\">Previous<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox iconpos_right style_default color_primary align_left no_text\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><span class=\"w-iconbox-title\">Next<\/span><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:1em;\"><i class=\"far fa-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><h1 class=\"w-post-elm post_title us_custom_9bb7a90a entry-title color_link_inherit\">Uberisation : A Prediction We Made Years Ago<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1 wpb_column vc_column_container nextcolumn hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles has_bg_color stretched\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_7de2aec7\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-iconbox iconpos_right style_default color_primary align_left no_text\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><span class=\"w-iconbox-title\">Next<\/span><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:1em;\"><i class=\"far fa-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-10 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-hwrapper valign_middle align_center\" style=\"--hwrapper-gap:0rem\"><div class=\"w-post-elm post_custom_field us_custom_a518f2fa redlinebefore has_text_color type_text page_numbers color_link_inherit\"><span class=\"w-post-elm-value\">11 - 15<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><p class=\"w-post-elm post_custom_field us_custom_58b1af09 type_text short_description color_link_inherit\"><span class=\"w-post-elm-value\">For years, our union has warned that Uberisation would invade the public sector, even in areas traditionally resistant to such changes. The phenomenon began to creep in through outsourcing and contract work, but in recent times, it has become more explicit.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container cornerrighttop\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image cornerrighttop has_ratio align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:42.8571%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AdobeStock_907185889-1024x574.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container cornerlefttop\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Uberisation Spreads To Public Services:<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>A Prediction We Made Years Ago<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>In 2019, our trade union sounded the alarm about the spread of <strong>Uberisation<\/strong>\u2014the shift towards flexible, gig-style employment\u2014affecting not just private industries but eventually public services as well. At the time, we warned that this trend would inevitably reach EU institutions which would radically shake up labour relations. \u00a0Now, as we see <strong>Contract Agents<\/strong> and <strong>Temporary Agents<\/strong> becoming more prevalent in EU administrations, our early concerns have proven to be justified.<\/p>\n<p>The growing reliance on short-term, flexible labour in place of permanent civil service positions is a clear example of the <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> of the public sector. This model, which has already revolutionized industries like transportation, hospitality, and legal services, is now seeping into the EU\u2019s policy-making and administrative bodies, creating a workforce that mirrors the gig economy in many ways. It is essential that workers and their representatives be involved from the outset in the digital revolution so that workers can be granted effective protection from its consequences.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_large\"><\/div><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_middle type_boxes stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h4><strong>What is Uberisation?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>In 2016, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ipdigit.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/TFE_Renan_Lechien_et_Louis_Tinel.pdf\">a thesis from the Universit\u00e9 Catholique de Louvain<\/a> identified and compared seven different definitions, which examine uberisation from five different perspectives (making our under-used assets available for a fee, peer-to-peer exchanges, an online platform, a rating system, and the transformation of traditional business models through innovation). None of the definitions covered all five perspectives and none of the perspectives were present in all the definitions.<\/p>\n<p>A French online dictionary (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linternaute.fr\/dictionnaire\/fr\/definition\/uberisation\/\">lintern@ute<\/a>) gives a fairly general definition:<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Uberisation refers to a business model whereby professionals and customers are put in contact with each other directly, even instantaneously, through the use of technology. This model has the advantage of being much less expensive for the customer than the conventional business model.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>This was, in fact, the model adopted in 2009 by UberCab (which became Uber in 2010) for its transport services. Less than ten years later, this business model has taken root throughout the world in a wide range of economic sectors. It is to be found in sectors such as hospitality (Airbnb, Booking.com), transport (Uber, Blablacar, Drivy), home improvements, renovation and odd jobs (Lulu dans ma rue, Hellocasa, Mesd\u00e9panneurs, Amazon Home Services, etc.), legal services (Cma-Justice), and even in the fight against terrorism with initiatives such hackathons or non-profit incubators.<\/p>\n<p>While many of us will have cause to use their services in our daily lives, the break with the traditional model of economic activity that these firms represent raises a number of important questions and poses a serious threat to companies in the sectors concerned &#8211; as well as to their employees.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Being ubered&#8217; and &#8216;uberisation&#8217; are notions that elicit apprehension and fear. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/377f7054-81ef-11e4-b9d0-00144feabdc0#axzz3M8s3UwVa\">an interview with the Financial Times<\/a>, the advertiser Maurice L\u00e9vy said: &#8216;Everyone is starting to worry about being ubered. It&#8217;s the idea that you suddenly wake up to find your legacy business gone&#8230;&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>At its core, <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> refers to a business model where <strong>workers are treated as independent contractors<\/strong> rather than employees, often working on-demand and without long-term job security or benefits. This model allows employers to hire labor as needed, while workers enjoy (at least theoretically) more flexibility. However, the reality often involves a lack of protections, job instability, and minimal benefits.<\/p>\n<p>The term itself, which was coined after the business model popularized by <strong>Uber<\/strong>, has come to signify the <strong>disruption<\/strong> of traditional work structures across various sectors. As our trade union highlighted back in 2019, <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> wasn\u2019t just a passing trend; it was a growing threat to the stability of the workforce across the public and private sectors alike.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref1\" name=\"_ftn1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref2\" name=\"_ftn2\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_large with_line width_50 thick_2 style_solid color_border align_center\"><div class=\"w-separator-h\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image cornerleftbottom has_ratio align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:75%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1876\" src=\"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AdobeStock_403743855-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h4><strong>A Predictive Warning from Our Trade Union<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>For years, our union has warned that <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> would invade the public sector, even in areas traditionally resistant to such changes. The phenomenon began to creep in through <strong>outsourcing<\/strong> and <strong>contract work<\/strong>, but in recent times, it has become more explicit as we witness an increase in the use of <strong>Contract Agents<\/strong> and <strong>Temporary Agents<\/strong> within EU institutions. These roles, often viewed as \u201con-demand\u201d policy-making positions, reflect a <strong>gig economy model<\/strong> that puts pressure on permanent staff structures and erodes job security.<\/p>\n<p>Our concerns were not unfounded. When the EU began expanding its reliance on <strong>temporary workers<\/strong> for specific projects, we knew this could erode long-term planning, decrease institutional memory, and put workers at a disadvantage. Now, this trend is becoming <strong>increasingly apparent<\/strong> in the day-to-day operations of EU bodies, as more and more <strong>policy advisors<\/strong> and <strong>administrators<\/strong> are brought in on short-term contracts instead of as permanent civil servants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h4><strong>The Rise of Temporary and Contract Agents<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The <strong>EU institutions<\/strong> have been shifting towards a workforce made up of <strong>Contract Agents<\/strong> and <strong>Temporary Agents<\/strong> to carry out essential functions such as policy development and implementation. These workers are often brought in to handle specific tasks without the long-term commitment required of permanent staff. While this might be seen as a cost-saving measure, it risks <strong>undermining the quality and continuity of public services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, rather than relying on <strong>permanent civil servants<\/strong> who understand the long-term trajectory of EU policy, <strong>temporary agents<\/strong> are hired for specific tasks with an expiration date. This trend mimics the way <strong>Uber<\/strong> relies on independent contractors instead of full-time employees, who have more job stability and benefits.<\/p>\n<p>While this model may offer flexibility to employers and quick access to expertise, it also raises serious concerns about the <strong>future of public service<\/strong>. As more and more <strong>Contract and Temporary Agents<\/strong> replace permanent employees, we risk creating a public service system that lacks institutional continuity, reduces long-term policy expertise, and increasingly treats workers as disposable, short-term resources rather than valued public servants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image cornerleftbottom has_ratio align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:75%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1477\" src=\"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AdobeStock_335248358-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image nocorners has_ratio align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:42.8571%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"346\" src=\"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AdobeStock_323624173-1024x346.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_large\"><\/div><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53 column2auto\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>The Threat to Worker Rights and Public Service Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The increasing reliance on temporary contracts within <strong>EU institutions<\/strong> is not just an administrative shift; it has deep implications for workers\u2019 rights. Workers in these roles often face <strong>job insecurity<\/strong>, <strong>lack of benefits<\/strong>, and <strong>increased workload pressures<\/strong>, without the stability and protections offered to permanent civil servants. This trend directly mirrors the <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> of labor, where workers are seen as interchangeable, and their role in the larger organizational structure is minimized.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the <strong>quality of public service<\/strong> could suffer as institutions become more reliant on <strong>temporary staff<\/strong> who may not have the <strong>long-term commitment<\/strong> or <strong>institutional knowledge<\/strong> necessary to drive consistent, effective policy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Increasing Impact of Digitalisation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Technological developments and the computerisation or digitalisation of a range of activities have had a considerable impact on the public sector for many years, with consequences for work organisation, the balance between work and family life, and the physical and mental health of workers.<\/p>\n<p>In June 2018, the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) organised a seminar on issues relating to collective bargaining in the Member States, and in particular the impact of digitalisation in public services. Researchers from the European Social Observatory took this opportunity to present the results of a study commissioned by the EPSU entitled<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epsu.org\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/files\/FINAL%20REPORT%20EPSU%20DIGITALISATION%20-%20OSE%20June%202018.pdf\"> Impact of digitalisation on job quality in public services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Basing themselves on two sectors (home care and employment services), the researchers highlighted the consequences for workers of the digital transformation. It should be noted that digitalisation has not affected these two sectors in the same way: employment services have been computerised for many years whereas, in the case of home care, only the planning of work has been computerised through the recent introduction of smartphones and tablets.<\/p>\n<p>Workers in both sectors have experienced a heavier workload and a more intense rhythm of work, as well as increased monitoring of their activities, with a gradual move towards &#8216;performance-based&#8217; management. The requirement (whether real or imagined) to be permanently &#8216;connected&#8217; makes them view the right to disconnect as necessary and welcome protection. However, most workers do not consider that digitalisation has had a significant influence on their salary or on their social protection.<\/p>\n<p>In general, workers in the public employment services feel a greater impact of digital transformation on all aspects of their jobs: the actual content of their work has changed and workers no longer feel in control; the line between working time and family life has become blurred; social relations with the public or among colleagues have been reduced or have become perfunctory; and the digital divide has created an ever-greater gulf between colleagues who are at ease with the new technologies and those who are not.<\/p>\n<p>As regards health, employees in both sectors consider that the digital revolution has had, or could have, adverse effects: vision problems as a result of working on screen, musculoskeletal &#8211; or even cardiovascular &#8211; disorders related to immobility, fatigue, and an increased risk of road accidents owing to more frequent use of mobile telephones and tablets, without even taking into account the stress caused by an excessive workload and the need to respond immediately, whether by telephone or email, to the public, colleagues and superiors. This stress entails a marked increase in psychosocial risks (depression, burnout, etc&#8230;).<\/p>\n<p>Despite the implications of the digital revolution for the future of work and for workers, the latter admit that its consequences are ignored or minimised in collective bargaining and in public policies at all levels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The researchers recommend<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0 that the impact of the digital transformation on the quality of work in all its aspects be integrated horizontally into the framework of social dialogue at all levels (inter-professional, sectoral or within companies);<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0 that the potential negative effects of the digital transformation be taken into account and be addressed by legal provisions that protect workers;<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0 that the public authorities (local, regional or national) and other stakeholders conduct detailed studies of the consequences of the digital revolution in all sectors;<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0 that measures be taken to ensure, within the framework of this integrated approach, that neither service users nor workers become victims of the inevitable advance of digitalisation.<\/p>\n<p>At European level, the consequences of the digital transformation should be integrated into an overall strategy that is not confined to promoting economic growth and gains in productivity, but that also seeks to protect workers and citizens. The social dialogue structures should, from the very beginning, be stakeholders in this revolution. The European Union and its Member States need to reinforce existing rights, such as the right to the protection of personal data and workers&#8217; rights, and to establish new rights, in particular by opening a debate on the right to disconnect, which is destined to become a new fundamental right for workers.<\/p>\n<p>The rise of <strong>Contract and Temporary Agents<\/strong> also correlates with the broader impact of <strong>digitalisation<\/strong> within EU institutions. As public services undergo digital transformations, workers are faced with new challenges: <strong>increased surveillance<\/strong>, <strong>data-driven performance metrics<\/strong>, and <strong>blurred boundaries<\/strong> between work and personal life. These pressures are felt most acutely by <strong>temporary agents<\/strong>, who may be asked to perform under intense scrutiny without the same support structures or protections as their permanent counterparts.<\/p>\n<p>The move towards digital tools and platforms in public service only amplifies the risks of <strong>Uberisation<\/strong>. With increased reliance on <strong>temporary, on-demand labor<\/strong>, the EU risks undermining its capacity to provide equitable, high-quality public services in the long run.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_large\"><\/div><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image cornerleftbottom has_ratio align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:75%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AdobeStock_224315596-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>A Call for Stronger Worker Protections<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As we continue to see <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> spread across <strong>EU institutions<\/strong>, it is more important than ever for <strong>trade unions<\/strong> to advocate for stronger <strong>worker protections<\/strong>. Our union has long fought for a more <strong>equitable work environment<\/strong> within the public sector, and the growing reliance on <strong>temporary agents<\/strong> underscores the urgent need for better job security, fairer wages, and improved working conditions for all employees.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>EU must not sacrifice the quality of public service<\/strong> and the <strong>well-being of workers<\/strong> in the name of efficiency and cost-cutting. Instead, it should invest in permanent, skilled workers who can ensure continuity, protect institutional memory, and uphold the values of <strong>public service<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_boxes stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container nocorners\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"vc_column-overlay\" style=\"background:var(--color-chrome-toolbar)\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h4><strong>Conclusion: Protecting Workers in the Age of Uberisation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The prediction we made years ago about <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> in the public sector has sadly become a reality. Uberisation is but one aspect of the digital revolution confronting society as a whole. Despite the convenience offered by Uber, Airbnb and Amazon, we need to be aware of the potentially disastrous consequences of this new economy for the social rights of workers, who will have to devise and put into place new forms of social dialogue and social protection. Even in the public sector, where social rights are better protected, the digital revolution has had a significant negative impact on the nature of work itself and on the physical and psychological well-being of workers, and this needs to be taken into account in the existing social dialogue structures.<\/p>\n<p>As <strong>EU institutions<\/strong> increasingly turn to <strong>temporary agents<\/strong> and <strong>contract workers<\/strong> to fill key roles, the risks to both workers and public service quality are becoming more apparent. It is essential that we continue to <strong>fight for workers&#8217; rights<\/strong>, advocate for <strong>permanent positions<\/strong>, and push for greater protection in the face of this <strong>new model of labor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>digital revolution<\/strong> and <strong>Uberisation<\/strong> is here to stay, but it is up to us to ensure that <strong>workers are not left behind<\/strong> in the rush for efficiency and flexibility. Only through strong <strong>social dialogue<\/strong> and robust <strong>labor protections<\/strong> can we ensure that public services remain fair, effective, and accessible for all.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator size_large with_line width_50 thick_1 style_solid color_primary align_center\"><div class=\"w-separator-h\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_3880b28b cornerbottomright has_ratio align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:100%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"692\" height=\"754\" src=\"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Felix-Geradon.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-10 wpb_column vc_column_container cornerleftbottom\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_77db9625\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h4>F\u00e9lix G\u00c9RADON<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_fc36dcad\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_432d3f53\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>He was a translator at the General Secretariat of the Council. He was a member of the Staff Committee for many years and held various positions (secretary, vice-president, president) and represented the staff in several joint bodies. He was also Deputy Secretary General of Union Syndicale Brussels for several years.<br \/>\nRetired since 2019, he continues to participate actively in the life of Union Syndicale by being associated with the Executive Committee.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"agora_edition":[],"class_list":["post-7724","agora_article","type-agora_article","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Uberisation : A Prediction We Made Years Ago - Union Syndicale<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The digital revolution and Uberisation is here to stay, but it is up to us to ensure that workers are not left behind in the rush for efficiency and flexibility.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/unionsyndicale.eu\/en\/agora_article\/uberisation-a-prediction-we-made-years-ago\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Uberisation : A Prediction We Made Years Ago - 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