What is it like to work in the gig economy? How do flexibility and individual freedom mix with exploitation and conflict? Workers are tyrannized by algorithms and exploited for the profit of a few – but they don’t just accept it. A transnational network of encrypted chats and informal groups is emerging, which has led to a wave of strikes and protests. Far from being atomized individuals helpless at the mercy of giant tech companies, workers are defying the rules and trying to seize control.
Trade unions are also shaking up the scene. For example, the Food-Pleasure-Gaststätten union (NGG), which advocates for the rights of drivers and pays particular attention to the role of algorithms:
The drivers can tell us themselves how the app’s decisions resonate with them: How are shifts and delivery orders distributed? Do they feel like the app is creating a hidden performance profile (score) about them? Can they appeal if they believe a mistake was made?
These questions are part of a survey that NGG launched together with Algorithm Watch. An important project that everyone can learn from – not just the drivers, but also their allies: the NGG and everyone who works for a fairer digital society.
So: Do you work as a driver? Do you know someone who is? Do you want to help ensure that the digital society of tomorrow is better than the one we live in today? Then you should read this article.