Ruwan Subasinghe
@ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social
@itfglobalunion.bsky.social Legal Director. Board member of @ilawnetwork.bsky.social, Ethical Trading Initiative and @cornellilr.bsky.social's Global Labor Institute.
Law - Sports- Hip Hop
Personal Account. All Views My Own. He/him
Law - Sports- Hip Hop
Personal Account. All Views My Own. He/him
'...company maintains that its drivers are independent contractors rather than employees...regardless of classification it cannot be responsible for actions that fall outside the scope of what could reasonably be considered their duties'
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Uber found liable for sexual assault by driver and ordered to pay victim $8.5m
Verdict could influence more than 3,000 similar cases against ride-hailing company
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:15 PM
'...company maintains that its drivers are independent contractors rather than employees...regardless of classification it cannot be responsible for actions that fall outside the scope of what could reasonably be considered their duties'
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
The dystopian 'future of work' is very much here. Professional drivers replaced by machines and outsourced labour from lower-waged countries on the side of the world.
February 10, 2026 at 11:15 PM
The dystopian 'future of work' is very much here. Professional drivers replaced by machines and outsourced labour from lower-waged countries on the side of the world.
EU working group on Platform Work Directive transposition now out. Helpful clarifications from Commission, including need to guarantee equal protection for workers engaged via intermediaries (even if joint-several liability unavailable).
#gigeconomy
LINK: ec.europa.eu/transparency...
#gigeconomy
LINK: ec.europa.eu/transparency...
February 10, 2026 at 11:14 PM
EU working group on Platform Work Directive transposition now out. Helpful clarifications from Commission, including need to guarantee equal protection for workers engaged via intermediaries (even if joint-several liability unavailable).
#gigeconomy
LINK: ec.europa.eu/transparency...
#gigeconomy
LINK: ec.europa.eu/transparency...
Powerful statement and plea from Volker Turk.
States condemning the carnage and atrocities committed by the RSF and SAF are not enough. They must address the “continuous inflow of weapons”.
And this of course also means the foreign funding of the RSF.
Act now!
news.un.org/en/story/202...
States condemning the carnage and atrocities committed by the RSF and SAF are not enough. They must address the “continuous inflow of weapons”.
And this of course also means the foreign funding of the RSF.
Act now!
news.un.org/en/story/202...
Sudan: UN rights chief says worse is to come without international action
As the brutal Sudan war shows no signs of ending, UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Monday called on the international community to intervene immediately to stop more mass killings and other flagra...
news.un.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Powerful statement and plea from Volker Turk.
States condemning the carnage and atrocities committed by the RSF and SAF are not enough. They must address the “continuous inflow of weapons”.
And this of course also means the foreign funding of the RSF.
Act now!
news.un.org/en/story/202...
States condemning the carnage and atrocities committed by the RSF and SAF are not enough. They must address the “continuous inflow of weapons”.
And this of course also means the foreign funding of the RSF.
Act now!
news.un.org/en/story/202...
'global backlash'?
Well, I don't see it. Unless more statements constitute the totality of said 'backlash'.
EU says trade measures 'still' on table? The time to enforce the ICJ's unequivocal findings ref ocupation is now.
Stand up for the rule of law.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Well, I don't see it. Unless more statements constitute the totality of said 'backlash'.
EU says trade measures 'still' on table? The time to enforce the ICJ's unequivocal findings ref ocupation is now.
Stand up for the rule of law.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
‘A step in the wrong direction’: Israel’s West Bank plans prompt global backlash
US, Britain, EU and Arab nations condemn plans that Israeli ministers say will ‘kill the idea of a Palestinian state’
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:04 PM
'global backlash'?
Well, I don't see it. Unless more statements constitute the totality of said 'backlash'.
EU says trade measures 'still' on table? The time to enforce the ICJ's unequivocal findings ref ocupation is now.
Stand up for the rule of law.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Well, I don't see it. Unless more statements constitute the totality of said 'backlash'.
EU says trade measures 'still' on table? The time to enforce the ICJ's unequivocal findings ref ocupation is now.
Stand up for the rule of law.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Is it an employment agency/business, a digital labour platform, both? Another egregious example of workers having to pay recruitment fees to then be misclassified and earn below the minimum wage - here on the UK high street. Vile.
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Urban Outfitters, Dreams and Royal Parks cafes criticised for use of gig economy app
TUC urges ministers to bring forward changes to protect workers amid concerns over apps such as Temper
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Is it an employment agency/business, a digital labour platform, both? Another egregious example of workers having to pay recruitment fees to then be misclassified and earn below the minimum wage - here on the UK high street. Vile.
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
#gigeconomy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Second international trade union delegation denied entry to #Palestine by Israel in less than a month. Certainly not incidental. There's a clear pattern here.
www.bwint.org/BwiNews/News...
www.bwint.org/BwiNews/News...
International construction unions denied entry to the occupied Palestinian territories - BWI
Israel on 2 February refused entry to the West Bank to an international delegation of construction trade unions, seeking to meet Palestinian construction wor…
www.bwint.org
February 3, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Second international trade union delegation denied entry to #Palestine by Israel in less than a month. Certainly not incidental. There's a clear pattern here.
www.bwint.org/BwiNews/News...
www.bwint.org/BwiNews/News...
In a first, the #gigeconomy delivery platform JustEat has established a European Works' Council spanning 11 different countries.
h/t @project_gig
newsroom.justeattakeaway.com/en-WW/259889...
h/t @project_gig
newsroom.justeattakeaway.com/en-WW/259889...
Just Eat Takeaway.com establishes European Works Council for transnational social dialogue
Just Eat Takeaway.com (JET), one of the world’s leading global on-demand delivery companies, has successfully concluded negotiations and signed an agreement with employee representatives to establish ...
newsroom.justeattakeaway.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:44 PM
In a first, the #gigeconomy delivery platform JustEat has established a European Works' Council spanning 11 different countries.
h/t @project_gig
newsroom.justeattakeaway.com/en-WW/259889...
h/t @project_gig
newsroom.justeattakeaway.com/en-WW/259889...
In the week that the IDF accepted the Gaza Health Ministry's casualty figures, we learn that 500 people, including 100 children, have been killed since the 'ceasefire' has been in force.
Enough. Accountability now.
Enough. Accountability now.
February 2, 2026 at 3:11 PM
In the week that the IDF accepted the Gaza Health Ministry's casualty figures, we learn that 500 people, including 100 children, have been killed since the 'ceasefire' has been in force.
Enough. Accountability now.
Enough. Accountability now.
27/01 statement by Tehran Vahed Bus Workers' Union:
'...real liberation...is possible only through collective leadership and the conscious...not through military intervention by the United States & Israel, nor by any other power-seeking foreign states...'
Solidarity with #IranRevolution.
'...real liberation...is possible only through collective leadership and the conscious...not through military intervention by the United States & Israel, nor by any other power-seeking foreign states...'
Solidarity with #IranRevolution.
February 2, 2026 at 3:10 PM
27/01 statement by Tehran Vahed Bus Workers' Union:
'...real liberation...is possible only through collective leadership and the conscious...not through military intervention by the United States & Israel, nor by any other power-seeking foreign states...'
Solidarity with #IranRevolution.
'...real liberation...is possible only through collective leadership and the conscious...not through military intervention by the United States & Israel, nor by any other power-seeking foreign states...'
Solidarity with #IranRevolution.
Huge win for NYTWA & ride-hail drivers in NYC as City Council overrides previous mayor's veto on wrongful deactivation law. Law now gives just cause protection, a right of appeal, and remedies including reinstatement and back pay. Huge!
#gigeconomy
Text intro.nyc/0276-2024+
#gigeconomy
Text intro.nyc/0276-2024+
February 2, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Huge win for NYTWA & ride-hail drivers in NYC as City Council overrides previous mayor's veto on wrongful deactivation law. Law now gives just cause protection, a right of appeal, and remedies including reinstatement and back pay. Huge!
#gigeconomy
Text intro.nyc/0276-2024+
#gigeconomy
Text intro.nyc/0276-2024+
These rulings by the German Labour Court once again highlight how the atomisation and distribution of #gigeconomy food delivery riders inevitably leads to the denial of collective rights - here the invalidity of an org unit for a works council.
www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com/news/german-...
www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com/news/german-...
German court adds roadblock for platform worker co-determination efforts
Germany’s federal labour court (BAG) has declared the works council elections of a number of committees for delivery app Lieferando – known as Just Eat outside of Germany – are invalid, in a ruling wh...
www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:09 PM
These rulings by the German Labour Court once again highlight how the atomisation and distribution of #gigeconomy food delivery riders inevitably leads to the denial of collective rights - here the invalidity of an org unit for a works council.
www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com/news/german-...
www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com/news/german-...
🚨Dutch Court of Appeal overturns 2021 ruling that #Uber drivers are employees & covered by taxi CBA. CoA finds differences btw drivers too great to make 'general' ruling. Employment status on case by case basis not ruled out. #FNV considers appeal to Supreme Court.
www.fnv.nl/nieuwsberich...
www.fnv.nl/nieuwsberich...
FNV over uitspraak Uber-zaak: ‘Strijd voor chauffeurs gaat door’
Het gerechtshof heeft vandaag geoordeeld dat in de door vakbond FNV aangespannen collectieve procedure niet kan worden vastgesteld dat Uber-chauffeurs werknemers zijn. Volgens het Hof zijn de verschil...
www.fnv.nl
January 27, 2026 at 7:05 PM
🚨Dutch Court of Appeal overturns 2021 ruling that #Uber drivers are employees & covered by taxi CBA. CoA finds differences btw drivers too great to make 'general' ruling. Employment status on case by case basis not ruled out. #FNV considers appeal to Supreme Court.
www.fnv.nl/nieuwsberich...
www.fnv.nl/nieuwsberich...
Teachers and trade unionists being denied entry into the West Bank. UN agency buildings being bulldozed. Humanitarian NGOs being asked to make an impossible choice to continue offering essential support to Gazans.
Do not forget Palestine, do not forget the Palestinians.
Do not forget Palestine, do not forget the Palestinians.
January 26, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Teachers and trade unionists being denied entry into the West Bank. UN agency buildings being bulldozed. Humanitarian NGOs being asked to make an impossible choice to continue offering essential support to Gazans.
Do not forget Palestine, do not forget the Palestinians.
Do not forget Palestine, do not forget the Palestinians.
#UberEats to end self-employment model in Spain belatedly bringing it into compliance with the country's Rider Law - following enforcement action by the authorities. Spanish govt leading the charge against #gigeconomy worker abuse.
www.surinenglish.com/spain/uber-e...
www.surinenglish.com/spain/uber-e...
Uber Eats gives in and will subcontract riders | Sur in English
The company has announced it will no longer use self-employed couriers in Spain
www.surinenglish.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:44 AM
#UberEats to end self-employment model in Spain belatedly bringing it into compliance with the country's Rider Law - following enforcement action by the authorities. Spanish govt leading the charge against #gigeconomy worker abuse.
www.surinenglish.com/spain/uber-e...
www.surinenglish.com/spain/uber-e...
New report by #NYC govt demonstrates how Uber Eats and DoorDash engineered a $550 Million pay cut for #gigeconomy food delivery riders. Upcoming amendments to local laws will give clients option to tip during checkout, including a 10% tip option that is selectable.
January 20, 2026 at 11:39 AM
New report by #NYC govt demonstrates how Uber Eats and DoorDash engineered a $550 Million pay cut for #gigeconomy food delivery riders. Upcoming amendments to local laws will give clients option to tip during checkout, including a 10% tip option that is selectable.
Extraordinary #gigeconomy enforcement action by new #NYC mayor. Motoclick sued for breaches of local rider laws. Instacart, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber et al sent warning letters over compliance with local laws relating to tips, algo pay transparency, minimum pay, and toilet access.
Today, a case was filed on behalf of the City of New York to get our city’s delivery workers the money they are owed.
For too long, companies like Motoclick stole tips from delivery workers and ignored the minimum pay rate law. Under our administration, they won’t get away with it any longer.
January 20, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Extraordinary #gigeconomy enforcement action by new #NYC mayor. Motoclick sued for breaches of local rider laws. Instacart, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber et al sent warning letters over compliance with local laws relating to tips, algo pay transparency, minimum pay, and toilet access.
Reposted by Ruwan Subasinghe
Taxi drivers show up for New Yorkers day and night, carrying our families, our workers, our city. They deserve a government that shows up for them with the same consistency.
January 14, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Taxi drivers show up for New Yorkers day and night, carrying our families, our workers, our city. They deserve a government that shows up for them with the same consistency.
Platform workers in #India strike over an ultra-fast 10-minute delivery model that puts their lives at risk. Some cities in the Netherlands, for example, have banned this practice (even if for urban congestion/planning concerns). Solidarity!
#gigeconomy
progressive.international/wire/2026-01...
#gigeconomy
progressive.international/wire/2026-01...
“Our fight is for the workers”
Gig worker union leader Shaik Salauddin on Indian gig workers organising a successful strategic strike against exploitative "10-minute delivery" models.
progressive.international
January 20, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Platform workers in #India strike over an ultra-fast 10-minute delivery model that puts their lives at risk. Some cities in the Netherlands, for example, have banned this practice (even if for urban congestion/planning concerns). Solidarity!
#gigeconomy
progressive.international/wire/2026-01...
#gigeconomy
progressive.international/wire/2026-01...
Reposted by Ruwan Subasinghe
Stinging @UNHumanRights thematic report builds on #ICJ AO of 2024 and CERD ad hoc conciliation commission findings that #Israel is practising racial segregation and #apartheid in the West Bank.
What more do international human rights bodies have to do for States to take action?
What more do international human rights bodies have to do for States to take action?
January 16, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Stinging @UNHumanRights thematic report builds on #ICJ AO of 2024 and CERD ad hoc conciliation commission findings that #Israel is practising racial segregation and #apartheid in the West Bank.
What more do international human rights bodies have to do for States to take action?
What more do international human rights bodies have to do for States to take action?
Reposted by Ruwan Subasinghe
The Iranian regime has no place to hide. The international community must push for an HRC special session, pursue international justice mechanisms against the regime for crimes under international law and human rights violations. SC can refer matter to ICC.
#IranRevoIution2026
#IranRevoIution2026
Iranian authorities have unleashed an unprecedented deadly crackdown to crush the protests & cut all internet access to conceal their crimes. Call on the international community to urgently act to end further massacres of protesters in Iran.
Act now ✊
amn.st/63326CLAAI
Act now ✊
amn.st/63326CLAAI
End Protest Massacres in Iran
Call on the international community to urgently act to end further massacres of protesters in Iran.
amn.st
January 16, 2026 at 1:16 AM
The Iranian regime has no place to hide. The international community must push for an HRC special session, pursue international justice mechanisms against the regime for crimes under international law and human rights violations. SC can refer matter to ICC.
#IranRevoIution2026
#IranRevoIution2026
Reposted by Ruwan Subasinghe
The time is ripe for ADK and the #SriLanka Government to finally deliver justice & accountability for the survivors of the war-related sexual violence. Also high time for those responsible for atrocities committed by GOSL forces to be prosecuted and held accountable.
January 16, 2026 at 1:17 AM
The time is ripe for ADK and the #SriLanka Government to finally deliver justice & accountability for the survivors of the war-related sexual violence. Also high time for those responsible for atrocities committed by GOSL forces to be prosecuted and held accountable.
The time is ripe for ADK and the #SriLanka Government to finally deliver justice & accountability for the survivors of the war-related sexual violence. Also high time for those responsible for atrocities committed by GOSL forces to be prosecuted and held accountable.
January 16, 2026 at 1:17 AM
The time is ripe for ADK and the #SriLanka Government to finally deliver justice & accountability for the survivors of the war-related sexual violence. Also high time for those responsible for atrocities committed by GOSL forces to be prosecuted and held accountable.
The Iranian regime has no place to hide. The international community must push for an HRC special session, pursue international justice mechanisms against the regime for crimes under international law and human rights violations. SC can refer matter to ICC.
#IranRevoIution2026
#IranRevoIution2026
Iranian authorities have unleashed an unprecedented deadly crackdown to crush the protests & cut all internet access to conceal their crimes. Call on the international community to urgently act to end further massacres of protesters in Iran.
Act now ✊
amn.st/63326CLAAI
Act now ✊
amn.st/63326CLAAI
End Protest Massacres in Iran
Call on the international community to urgently act to end further massacres of protesters in Iran.
amn.st
January 16, 2026 at 1:16 AM
The Iranian regime has no place to hide. The international community must push for an HRC special session, pursue international justice mechanisms against the regime for crimes under international law and human rights violations. SC can refer matter to ICC.
#IranRevoIution2026
#IranRevoIution2026