The Legal Nature of Labour Relations  and International Regulations  in the Digital Economy Era

Sandro-Giorgi  Sarukhanishvili

doi:10.63410/olr2026/05

Authors

Sandro-Giorgi Sarukhanishvili Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University, Researcher at Prince David Institute for Law

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63410/olr2026/05

Keywords:

Labour relations, digital economy, platform work, gig economy, remote work, employment status

Abstract

This article explores the transformative impact of the digital economy on the legal nature of labour relations, specifically focusing on the challenges of regulating online work. As digital labour platforms facilitate the internationalisation of business, they challenge traditional concepts of state jurisdiction and obscure the legal status of workers, often blurring the lines between employees and
independent contractors. The study analyses the distinct approach of European Union (EU) private international law, which prioritises an autonomous interpretation of the “worker” concept based on factual subordination and control rather than formal contractual labels. This is contrasted with the current legal landscape in Georgia, where judicial practice regarding digital
platform workers is absent, and legislation recognises the “information society service” but the it is designated to protect consumer rather than labour rights.
Furthermore, the article examines modern forms of labour organisation, including the legal distinctions between remote work, hybrid work, and platform work, while highlighting the lack of regulation for remote work in the Labour Code of Georgia compared to other European jurisdictions. Ultimately, the author argues for the necessity of comprehensive legal reform and international
cooperation to align Georgian legislation with emerging forms of employment and ensure the fair protection of labour rights across borders.

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