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Ruwan Subasinghe

@ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social
131 followers 33 following 230 posts

@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

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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
The era AI strikebreaking has arrived. Yes, we now have AI scabs. In this piece for @onlabor.bsky.social, @jeffreysvogt.bsky.social & I discuss recent examples of AI strikebreaking & explore the position under international law (teaser: it's unlawful) #FutureOfWork onlabor.org/from-pinkert...
onlabor.org
From Pinkertons to Tech Bros: The Rise of the AI Scab ✦ OnLabor
When journalists at The Guardian went on strike over their employer’s attempts to sell the business in late 2024, they were probably not expecting to be among the first victims of strike-breaking by a...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Full solidarity with the #NuestraAméricaConvoy to Cuba. The US fuel blockade on Cuba amounts to unlawful unilateral economic coercion also compelling third States under threat of retaliation. A clear violation of international law. Lift the embargo on the people of Cuba!
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
The parties to the world's only global sectoral collective agreement have declared the Strait of Hormuz as a 'High Risk Area' giving #seafarers additional protections. IThe parties also agree the seafarers’ right to refuse to sail into the area. www.itfglobal.org/en/news/join...
itfglobal.org
Joint ITF–JNG statement: Designation of High Risk Area in the Strait of Hormuz
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG), as social partners of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), have today designated the Strait of Horm
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
With international law going through a particularly difficult moment, the Hague Group represents a bulwark against impunity. THIS is what multilateralism looks like. THIS is what a solidarity-based, anti-colonial rules-based order looks like. #FreePalestine pic: James Scheinder/X
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Clarity.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
.@ITFglobalunion and the global labour movement strongly condemn the bombing carried out by Israel & the US, and the retaliatory attacks by Iran, in violation of the most fundamental rule of international law, namely the use of force. www.itfglobal.org/en/news/itf-...
itfglobal.org
ITF calls for ceasefire and protection of transport workers amid military escalation threatening regional peace
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) joins the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in calling for an immediate ceasefire, full de-escalation by all parties and the urgen
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office has been busy! Days after the Foodinho/Glovo investigation, #Deliveroo has now been placed under court administration over 'genuine labour exploitation', including pay '90% below the poverty line and CBAs'. #gigeconomy www.euractiv.com/news/milan-p...
euractiv.com
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
🚨Uruguay Supreme Court rules that #Uber drivers are employees - 6th SC globally to recognise an employment relationship for #gigeconomy on-demand workrs Crucially, Court applies ILO R198 test. Court also disapplies mandatory arbitration in NL as per Uber's T&Cs. www.cronica.com.ar/mundo/fallo-...
cronica.com.ar
Uruguay: la Suprema Corte reconoci� la relaci�n de dependencia en plataformas digitales
El m�ximo tribunal rechaz� una cl�usula de arbitraje en el exterior y ratific� que los conductores de aplicaciones son trabajadores subordinados. El caso sienta un precedente clave para el sector en l...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Over four years since Russia's invasion and aggression against Ukraine, the imperatives for a true, just and lasting peace could not be clearer. Solidarity with the people of #Ukraine.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Solidarity with Iranian teachers and trade unions standing up now more than ever for freedom, rights and dignity. End the repression now. #Iran
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
'These violations...appear to aim at a permanent demographic shift in #Gaza raising concerns over ethnic cleansing. Israel has a legal obligation to take the steps ordered by the ICJ to prevent acts of genocide...All States are obligated...to take action to prevent & punish genocide'
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
The #Milan Public Prosecutor is investigating Foodinho/#Glovo for 'digital gangmastering' offences, including pay below the poverty line, shifts of up to 12 hours, and algorithmic monitoring of workers - in violation of the Constitution. #gigeconomy www.borsaitaliana.it/borsa/notizi...
borsaitaliana.it
Caporalato digitale: Procura di Milano dispone controllo giudiziario per Glovo - Borsa Italiana
Teleborsa. economia. Caporalato digitale: Procura di Milano dispone controllo giudiziario per Glovo.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
The #Milan Public Prosecutor is investigating Foodinho/#Glovo for 'digital gangmastering' offences, including pay below the poverty line, shifts of up to 12 hours, and algorithmic monitoring of workers - in violation of the Constitution. #gigeconomy www.borsaitaliana.it/borsa/notizi...
borsaitaliana.it
Caporalato digitale: Procura di Milano dispone controllo giudiziario per Glovo - Borsa Italiana
Teleborsa. economia. Caporalato digitale: Procura di Milano dispone controllo giudiziario per Glovo.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
'These violations...appear to aim at a permanent demographic shift in #Gaza raising concerns over ethnic cleansing. Israel has a legal obligation to take the steps ordered by the ICJ to prevent acts of genocide...All States are obligated...to take action to prevent & punish genocide'
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Solidarity with Iranian teachers and trade unions standing up now more than ever for freedom, rights and dignity. End the repression now. #Iran
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Over four years since Russia's invasion and aggression against Ukraine, the imperatives for a true, just and lasting peace could not be clearer. Solidarity with the people of #Ukraine.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
🚨Uruguay Supreme Court rules that #Uber drivers are employees - 6th SC globally to recognise an employment relationship for #gigeconomy on-demand workrs Crucially, Court applies ILO R198 test. Court also disapplies mandatory arbitration in NL as per Uber's T&Cs. www.cronica.com.ar/mundo/fallo-...
cronica.com.ar
Uruguay: la Suprema Corte reconoci� la relaci�n de dependencia en plataformas digitales
El m�ximo tribunal rechaz� una cl�usula de arbitraje en el exterior y ratific� que los conductores de aplicaciones son trabajadores subordinados. El caso sienta un precedente clave para el sector en l...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
“National have let Uber & ACT Party set agenda for employment law in this country. They need to grow a backbone & stand up for the interests of NZ workers,” - @NZ_CTU #NewZealand labour reform creates “specified contractor” status upending SC #Uber decison, among other things.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
'...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...
theguardian.com
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
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
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...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
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...
news.un.org
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...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
'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...
theguardian.com
‘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’
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
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...
theguardian.com
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
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
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...
bwint.org
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…
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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...
newsroom.justeattakeaway.com
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 ...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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+
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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-...
internationalemploymentlawyer.com
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...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
🚨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...
fnv.nl
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...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
The #BoardofPeace is a scam!
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
#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...
surinenglish.com
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
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
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.
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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 14/01/2026
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.
Mayor Mamdani looks out of the window of a yellow NYC Taxi.TLC Commissioner Midori Valdivia points from a podium while standing next to Deputy Mayor Su and Mayor Mamdani.A man stands and applauds.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
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...
progressive.international
“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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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?
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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?
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Volker Turk: 'I am horrified by the mounting violence directed by security forces at protesters, as reports indicate many hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested. The Iranian people and their demands...must be heard'. Solidarity with the people of #Iran! www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
ohchr.org
Iran: UN Human Rights Chief urges authorities to end violent repression and calls for accountability
GENEVA  – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday said he was horrified by the mounting violence directed by security forces at protesters across Iran, as reports indicate hundred...
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Pivotal case on the law of #genocide in situations of armed conflict. Also, significant that the case was brought to the ICJ by a State party not directly involved in the matter. Justice for #Rohingya! www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Myanmar: Top UN court begins hearings in Rohingya genocide case
The Gambia accuses Myanmar's leadership of carrying out "brutal and vicious violations" against the Muslim minority group.
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Statement of #Tehran bus workers' union: "...the path to liberation...does not lie in imposing leaders from above, nor in reliance on foreign powers... it lies in unity, solidarity, and...independent organizations...at the national level. #IranRevolution LINK: www.instagram.com/p/DTM-LskDhhV/
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Free Lee Cheuk-yan & Chow Hang-tung and withdraw all outstanding criminal charges & quash their previous convictions. Stop bringing criminal proceedings against activists exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association &d assembly! #HongKong www.itfglobal.org/en/news/hong...
itfglobal.org
Hong Kong Should Immediately Release Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan
Joint NGO World Human Rights Day statementWe, the undersigned legal and civil society organisations, urgently call upon the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to re
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Late last year, the EU parliament voted overwhelmingly (451 for, 45 naes, 153 abstentions) for binding rules to regulate algorithmic management at work - huge! This should cover human oversight, protection of workers’ fundamental rights and personal data. Over to the Commission!
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Ruwan Subasinghe @ruwansubasinghe.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
“These actions represent a grave, manifest and deliberate violation of the most fundamental principles of international law, set a dangerous precedent, and risk destabilising the entire region and the world,” the experts said.
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