On a daily basis, online platforms utilize a variety of mechanisms that allow them to shape a favorable legal environment in Poland. Their activities focus primarily on two aspects: flexible employment arrangements and minimizing business costs. These primarily include taxes and social security, but also various obligations that result in increased costs.
Today, we present 5 ways in which platforms influence legislation in their favor in Poland:
1. Lobbying and Engagement in Public Consultations
This primarily involves participating in legislative processes at the government and (later) parliamentary levels. They submit official comments on draft laws (e.g., during the implementation of the EU Platform Work Directive) and collaborate with specialized lobbying agencies, thereby directly reaching those responsible for lawmaking.
2. Creating and participating in industry organizations
By suggesting they speak on behalf of a group (community), they have greater influence. In Poland, they organize themselves into organizations (e.g., the Lewiatan Digital Union). Emphasizing that they represent the entire industry, not the interests of a single company, gives their demands greater legitimacy in the eyes of the government and the public.
3. Using the argument of negative economic and social consequences in public communication
In discussions with the government, platforms often use narratives about “market freezing,” “increasing consumer prices,” and “reducing budget revenues.” They argue that imposing rigid regulations (e.g., full-time positions for delivery workers and drivers) will lead to mass layoffs, impact students or migrants seeking flexible income, and drastically increase the cost of services for millions of people living in Poland.
4. Sponsoring Research and Expert Reports
Platforms commission think tanks, research institutes, or universities to prepare economic analyses. These reports typically demonstrate the positive impact of the platform economy on GDP and the labor market. The completed data and statistics are then presented to MPs and ministries as “independent scientific evidence” supporting flexible regulations. Sometimes, these same analyses are commissioned to small foreign entities, which are then presented as having been prepared by, for example, US experts.
5. Image Pressure and Public Campaigns
Platforms mobilize their users, Drivers, and Suppliers to exert pressure on the authorities. They can do this by sending in-app messages (e.g., encouraging people to sign petitions against new taxes) or organizing media debates. Fear of dissatisfaction among a large group of voters (platform customers and employees) often prevents politicians from implementing radical legal changes.
And also:
THERE ARE 4 MONTHS AND 5 DAYS LEFT TO IMPLEMENT THE PLATFORM WORK DIRECTIVE.