Online Platforms and Platform Work Moldova Legally binding definition of online platforms Specific register of online platforms Specific regulation applicable to online platforms Online platforms are considered to be employers The taxation of individual freelancers in highly skilled occupations is not governed by law. In 2020, Moldova’s State Tax Authorities issued a notification establishing that freelancers – including those working on digital labour platforms – fall within the definition of individuals performing professional services and are subject to taxation of their total income from employment as well as income from professional activities. 2,300 In 2018, Moldova had more than 2,300 registered freelancers. Almost 80% of platform workers there reside the country’s capital, in Chisinau. 20% The majority of registered workers are male, with less than 20% of the total being female. Levels of income for platform workers in Moldova differ, depending on the type of work and level of qualification. Moldovans have also been active on international platforms such as inter alia Upwork, iFreelance, Toptal33, Freelancer.com, Upwork, Weblancer, FreelanceHunt. $ 17/h $ 29/day Remote platform workers earn on average USD 17 per hour, while incomes of less qualified persons engaged in on-local work are around USD 29/day. Two international platforms, Yandex taxi and Glovo, have dominated the market, along with several other national/local level platforms, such as iTaxi, StrausMD, and iFood. Straus.md was founded in Chisinau in 2014. The platform provides food delivery services for more than 250 restaurants. iTaxi.md was founded in Chisinau in 2001. It is the first national platform that provides ride-hailing services.

The issue of platform work was raised by the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova during an event organised by International Trade Union Confederation. Conclusions drawn from this event point on a need to encourage better organisation of people involved in platform work. There have been no legal proceedings in Moldova relating to platform work. While the number of platform workers has been rising, there have not been active discussions addressing the issue of the employment status of platform workers in Moldova. In 2019, 71% of Moldova’s population had access to the Internet, although there was a significant disparity between urban and rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on digital connectivity in Moldova. According to the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova, current labour legislation in the Republic of Moldova does not utilise a concept like employment in the platform economy. Thus, there are no specific measures designed exclusively to support platform workers. Platform work in Moldova is regulated by framework legislation, specifically by provisions laid down in the Labour Code, Civil Code or Law on Entrepreneurship. FES Competence Centre on the Future of Work – January, 2023 Background research conducted by Viorel Girbu, Independent Consultant Graphic Design: Galadriel GV