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Czech platform work act: what it proposes and where it stands in Parliament
Tým P&T Europe Services 9/15/2026 8 min
On 31 August 2026 the government approved the platform work bill (Directive (EU) 2024/2831). It is in the Chamber of Deputies as print 301, first reading on 16 October 2026, proposed effective date 1 January 2027. We explain the presumption of employment, the algorithmic-management rules and the proposed new definition of dependent work.
Table of Contents
On 31 August 2026 the government approved the platform work bill, transposing Directive (EU) 2024/2831 into Czech law. It was submitted to the Chamber of Deputies on 8 September 2026 as parliamentary print 301. The first reading took place on 16 October 2026 and the bill is now in committees. The proposed effective date is 1 January 2027. It is still a bill and may change. Here is what it contains.
Who the act covers
Under the bill (Section 2), a platform is a person providing a service that:
- is provided at least partly at a distance by electronic means (website, mobile app),
- is provided at the request of the service recipient,
- involves, as a necessary and essential component, the organisation of work performed by individuals for payment,
- uses automated systems.
A service whose main purpose is to use or share assets, or the sale of goods by private individuals outside their business, is not a platform.
Presumption of employment
The core of the act (Section 9): a platform worker is presumed to be in an employment relationship with the platform (or intermediary) if there are facts indicating that the features of dependent work under Section 2 of the Labour Code are met. The platform can rebut the presumption only by proving that at least one feature of dependent work is not met. The burden of proof thus shifts to the platform.
Features of dependent work today and under the bill
Today Section 2(1) of the Labour Code defines dependent work as work performed in a relationship of superiority and subordination, on the employer's behalf, according to the employer's instructions, and personally. The parallel Labour Code amendment (print 300) proposes to refine this. A relationship of superiority and subordination would newly exist if:
| # | Proposed condition (new Section 2(2)) |
|---|---|
| a | the employer organises the work |
| b | the employee works during working hours |
| c | the employee works according to the employer's instructions |
| d | the employer supervises the performance of work |
This change is not limited to platforms. It is a general test of dependent work, so it matters for every company that works with self-employed people on work that in fact looks like employment. More in What is being prepared for 2027 in Czech labour law and payroll.
Algorithmic management
- Using automated systems, a platform may not process data on a worker's emotional or psychological state or their private communications, nor collect data when the worker is not offering or performing work (Section 12).
- Workers have the right to information about automated monitoring and decision-making systems (Section 15 ff.).
- On request the platform must explain within 15 days any decision taken or supported by an automated system, and for decisions to restrict, suspend or close an account, withhold pay or on contractual status it must give written reasons (Section 21). A decision to close an account must be taken by a human.
- Workers have the right to data portability, e.g. of ratings generated in their work (Section 14).
Other obligations and penalties
- A platform without a registered office or branch in Czechia must appoint a contact person with an active data box within 30 days of starting the service. Platforms already operating should do so by 31 January 2027.
- The bill sets fines for offences, the highest up to CZK 10,000,000.
What it means for companies
- Platforms: prepare a review of your automated systems (scope of data processed, explanations and reasons for decisions, human review) and, where needed, a contact person in Czechia.
- Companies outside platforms: review your work with self-employed people against the features of dependent work, under both the current and the proposed wording.
- Follow the bill: only the enacted law will confirm the final wording, effective date and penalties. We will update this article.
The other part of the same package, pay transparency, is covered in Pay transparency from 2027. Need to check whether your work with self-employed people would hold up? We are happy to help.
Sources (as of 26 October 2026): MPSV — the government approved new rules for platform work, Chamber of Deputies — parliamentary print 301 (government platform work bill), Chamber of Deputies — parliamentary print 300 (related Labour Code amendment), Section 2 of the Labour Code and Directive (EU) 2024/2831.
Legal Notice
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional legal or tax advice. Information is processed according to Czech law valid at the date of publication. We always recommend consultation with an expert for specific situations.
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TPES
Tým P&T Europe Services
Specialists in payroll accounting, HR and accounting
