Voice Mechanisms for Platform-Based Gig Workers

Abstract

New forms of work, including Platform-based Gig Work and its implication to different stakeholders is at the centre of contemporary academic and practitioner discourse. With the rising popularity of platform-based gig work and an increasing number of workers forming part of the digital workforce, it becomes imperative to identify various challenges encountered by them. Literature has pointed out that the disruption of traditional work structures has led to challenges in form of unfair employment contacts, job security, collective organisation and unionisation. Along with these, absence of voice mechanisms contributes to precariousness and exploitative work conditions. Our paper looks into such challenges faced by the platform-based gig workers in voicing their concerns with respect to various actors namely: platform owners, service requesters, co-workers and regulatory authorities. We propose alternate voice mechanisms and policy signals relevant in context of the new work arrangements.