In several countries, Internet Platforms providing delivery and passenger transport services are introducing a new model of their operation – subscriptions. This usually means two solutions. The first is more or less like this: you pay a monthly subscription, in return you receive a package of services (with specific conditions for their implementation). The second – you pay a subscription, but in return you only get access to the Platform, and the delivery or transport service itself is paid additionally, directly to the person who provides the service. This model is called SaaS (Software-as-a-Service). And if the Platform provides the service as SaaS, the situation changes dramatically from our point of view (as Suppliers) and from the legal point of view.
The SaaS model means that the Platform will only act as an intermediary connecting customers with Suppliers located nearby. While the application suggests a fee for the service, both the customer and the Supplier have to negotiate the final amount between themselves. The Platform declares that it is not responsible for disputes related to fees between the interested parties. In practice, it most likely looks like this: after receiving the order, an auction takes place: whoever fulfills the order the cheapest will get it. And knowing the life situation of the Suppliers, orders will be fulfilled at dramatically low rates – because it is always better to have PLN 2 in your pocket than zero.
Of course, the situation also changes dramatically from the legal side. In the event of any conflicts (e.g. failure to provide a service, or delivery not in line with expectations), the Platforms recommend that customers resolve their doubts directly with the Suppliers. The Platforms are just software, not the employer or organizer of the service.
To sum up: it is not certain how this will affect our working conditions, but it will almost certainly not improve them. And certainly neither the boards of the Platforms nor their shareholders will suffer the consequences for this.