Does the Platform Work Act apply to you? Probably more than you think
October 20, 2026
The contract says “collaboration under a business ID number.” But you attend meetings, have set working hours, and receive assignments from your manager. Who’s right: the contract or reality? In the second episode of the podcast, we have a clear answer.
When we hear “the Platform Work Act,” most of us picture a courier with a big backpack and think to ourselves that it doesn’t apply to us. Wrong. The upcoming law, which transposes a European directive into Czech law, also changes how dependent employment is defined. And that’s a topic relevant to nearly every HR professional.
Vojta Klimeš from OKbase and attorney Barbora Paclíková from the law firm Bříza & Trubač break it down clearly in the second episode, without unnecessary legal jargon.
What’s Discussed in This Episode
- The four characteristics used to identify dependent employment. Hint: meal vouchers and having lunch with the team aren’t among them - even though they’re nice perks.
- Will employees lose their flexibility? A common concern—and what the reality actually is.
- What’s the difference between unreported and illegal work, where did the JMHZ come into the picture, and what does the labor inspectorate focus on most often?
- What is a rebuttable legal presumption, and why will platforms have to prove that their workers aren’t employees?
- And a bonus for the curious: where did the term “Švarc system” actually come from?
Tip for Tomorrow
As in every episode, here’s one specific practical tip: review your work with contractors and assess the risk of the “Švarc system.” What matters is the reality of the situation, not what’s on paper. If an “external contractor” attends your meetings, has fixed working hours, and receives tasks from a manager, a contract based on a business ID number won’t save them.
Listen to the full episode here.
You can find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podcasty.cz. And if you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!
Haven’t heard the first episode on transparent compensation yet? It’s still waiting for you. The podcast comes out every three weeks, so you’re not alone when it comes to navigating the new regulations.
Back