‘Gig’ unionism or collective action in the platform economy
Abstract
The platform economy ('gig' economy) in its two variants as localized services (Uber, Deliveroo, Glovo) and as work in the cloud (Crowdwork, Amazon Turk, Upwork) is a new growing business model that presents important challenges for trade unions. The paper analyses the characteristics of the platform economy from a union organizing perspective using the union power resources approach. In a second step, experiences with collective action and union organizing in this sector are examined based on empirical studies, documents and activist websites and the author's conversations with platform workers. The difficulties and potentialities of union action in the platform economy are identified. The conclusions classify the distinct forms of collective organization and reflect on the impacts of this business model beyond the sector itself for the future of digital capitalism.
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