Platform work has become deeply embedded in everyday life in Germany. Whether it’s ordering groceries via Flink, hailing a ride with Uber, or hiring a cleaner through Helpling, millions rely on digital platforms for convenience. Yet, behind this convenience lies a growing concern: the workers powering these services often lack basic labour protections.
The Fairwork Germany Ratings 2025 paint a troubling picture. Despite the essential role platform workers play in the modern economy, many still face poor working conditions, unreliable contracts, and limited representation. This year’s report, the third of its kind, evaluates seven major platforms active in Germany (Lieferando, Flink, Helpling, Uber, Bolt, Uber Eats, and Wolt) using five core principles: fair pay, fair conditions, fair contracts, fair management, and fair representation.
Based on desk research, interviews with workers, and analysis of public evidence, the findings show a decline in performance across all five principles compared to previous years. For example, workers continue to report low pay, lack of sick leave, opaque management systems, and few opportunities for meaningful dialogue or collective action.
These findings come at a critical moment. Germany is currently grappling with how to implement the European Platform Work Directive, a landmark proposal aimed at improving transparency, rights, and protections for platform workers across the EU. How the directive is transposed into national law could shape the future of work in Germany’s platform economy.
The message from the 2025 Fairwork report is clear: without stronger regulation and enforcement, digital platforms will continue to fall short in offering fair and decent work. For Germany’s platform workers, better labour standards aren’t just a policy debate — they’re a daily necessity.
Source: Fairwork Germany