A Dutch appeals court has overturned a previous ruling, determining that the gig platform Temper operates as a temporary employment agency, not a platform for independent contractors. This decision follows a lawsuit brought by unions FNV and CNV, who argued that workers on the platform were falsely classified as self-employed. The initial court ruling had sided with Temper, stating workers were genuinely independent. However, the appeals court found evidence of “shared authority” – Temper managing contracts and payments, and workers performing core tasks for client businesses – mirroring a similar case that led to the bankruptcy of cleaning platform Helpling. This ruling could result in Temper facing claims for back pay, including holiday allowance and paid time off, for its workers. Temper expressed strong disagreement with the decision and is considering an appeal to the Dutch Supreme Court. Legal experts suggest the case highlights the increasing scrutiny of gig economy platforms and worker classification.