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Díaz and Glovo’s Michaud Recast Spain’s ‘Rider Law’ Fight With Call for Mandatory Algorithm Transparency

The exchange spotlighted a new industry push for binding algorithm transparency tests.

Overview

  • At an EL PERIÓDICO–beBartlet dialogue in Madrid on Feb. 18, Yolanda Díaz and Glovo cofounder Sacha Michaud shared a stage after years of clashes over platform labor rules.
  • Díaz praised the long, confrontational talks that produced Spain’s rider law as a template for public policy built on negotiation with industry.
  • Michaud said Glovo’s move to salaried couriers shows it can adapt to strict markets and proposed compulsory certification to verify the transparency of workplace algorithms.
  • Spain’s law already requires firms to inform worker representatives about algorithmic management, but enforcement has been uneven, with the Labour Inspectorate sanctioning companies such as Amazon for incomplete disclosures.
  • Both speakers warned that Europe could fall behind the U.S. and China on AI and digital governance unless it advances harmonized, competitive rules.