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Many people – or, at least, many people who read a human rights newsletter – likely give some ethical consideration to the choices made when spending money. Who wants to support, say, environmental degradation or labor abuses with their purchases?
So, people maybe do a bit of reading to learn how things are made, how they get to us, and who might be hurt in the process. Sometimes, it can be frustrating. There’s a cacophony of voices. Exactly how much research should we do before buying a sandwich or taking a taxi?
Gig-based businesses have come under such scrutiny in recent years. More formally known as platform work, it’s where workers find and perform jobs through digital labor platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart.
There’s more and more of them about, because such businesses provide goods and services consumers want at prices they’re willing to pay. And the app on your phone makes it so convenient, right?
But what about the workers?
Some argue platform companies promote flexibility and independence for their workforce.
However, the reality for many is not so rosy. They are getting cut off from labor and social security rights.
Without regulation, this happens in a number of ways.
Platform companies regularly misclassify workers as independent contractors to cut costs and evade employer obligations. They routinely pay below the minimum wage, deny workers compensation for job-related injuries, and avoid contributions to social security programs.
Human Rights Watch research in the United States, Georgia, Mexico, and the European Union backs this up.
The research also found that platform companies use opaque algorithms, surveillance technologies, and behavioral tactics to control workers. Such things shatter the illusion many companies try to promote of gig workers enjoying “flexibility” and “independence.”
It’s not innovation. It’s just old-fashioned erosion of labor rights.
So, what should you do as an ethical consumer? Should you do exhaustive research to understand which companies might be behaving better than others? Do you give up on using all of these services regardless? Do you hand your next delivery driver a nice cash tip to assuage your guilt?
That’s all up to you, of course. However, one thing you can and should do is support better regulations and, if you can, help push your political representatives to make it happen.
Governments should strengthen employment classification laws so platform workers aren’t misclassified. They should extend wage protections, social security, and workplace safety protections to platform workers. They should ensure algorithmic management of workers is fair and transparent.
In short, governments need to make sure platform work is not simply a legal loophole for exploitation.
