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Stripping back the mask: Working conditions on digital labour platforms during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Kelle HOWSON
  • Funda USTEK‐SPILDA
  • Alessio BERTOLINI
  • Richard HEEKS
  • Fabian FERRARI
  • Srujana KATTA
  • Matthew COLE
  • Pablo AGUERA RENESES
  • Nancy SALEM
  • David SUTCLIFFE
  • Shelly STEWARD
  • Mark GRAHAM

Abstract

Digital labour platforms have been widely promoted as a solution to the unemployment crisis sparked by the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has also highlighted the vulnerability of gig workers when cast as essential workers. This article examines the COVID‐19 policies of 191 platforms in 43 countries to understand how the crisis has shifted the conventions of the gig economy. Using a typology of “fair platform work”, the authors identify areas of progress in worker protection but also significant shortfalls, including the entrenchment of precarious work as platforms leverage the opportunities arising from the crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Kelle HOWSON & Funda USTEK‐SPILDA & Alessio BERTOLINI & Richard HEEKS & Fabian FERRARI & Srujana KATTA & Matthew COLE & Pablo AGUERA RENESES & Nancy SALEM & David SUTCLIFFE & Shelly STEWARD & Mark GRA, 2022. "Stripping back the mask: Working conditions on digital labour platforms during the COVID‐19 pandemic," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 161(3), pages 413-440, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:intlab:v:161:y:2022:i:3:p:413-440
    DOI: 10.1111/ilr.12222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jim Stanford, 2017. "The resurgence of gig work: Historical and theoretical perspectives," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 28(3), pages 382-401, September.
    2. Bénédicte Apouey & Alexandra Roulet & Isabelle Solal & Mark Stabile, 2020. "Gig Workers during the COVID-19 Crisis in France: Financial Precarity and Mental Well-Being," Post-Print halshs-02973630, HAL.
    3. Cyrille Schwellnus & Assaf Geva & Mathilde Pak & Rafael Veiel, 2019. "Gig economy platforms: Boon or Bane?," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 1550, OECD Publishing.
    4. Bénédicte H. Apouey & Alexandra Roulet & Isabelle Solal & Mark Stabile, 2020. "Gig Workers during the COVID-19 Crisis in France: Financial Precarity and Mental Well-Being," Post-Print halshs-02973630, HAL.
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