Future of Digital Work and Labor Platforms

Introduction

• Technological Development: Since 2000, increase in digital work and labor platforms in both developing and developed countries.
• Impact of COVID-19: Pandemic and lockdown measures accelerated the shift to teleworking and digital work.

Future of Work

• Shift to Digital: Businesses have moved to digital spaces to continue operations during COVID-19.
• ILO Findings: Thousands of youths engaged in digital work via digital labor platforms.

Challenges in Digital Work

Health and Safety Risks

• Economic Risks: Financial instability due to unpredictable work volumes.
• Psychosocial Risks: Stress and poor mental health from continuous monitoring.
• Organizational Risks: Difficulties in applying standard occupational safety and health regulations.

Employment Protections

• Lack of Rights: Digital workers lack standard labor protections enjoyed in traditional employment relationships.

Definitions

• Digital Work: Organizing human experiences via digital means to create products/services.
• Digital Labor Platforms:
  • Web-based Platforms: Work outsourced to a globally dispersed crowd.
  • Location-based Apps: Allocate tasks to individuals in specific areas.

Technological Advances and Work Arrangements

• Digital Intermediary: Many traditional work arrangements now use digital tools as intermediaries.
• Post-Pandemic Shift: Likely to maintain a significant digital presence post-COVID-19, but worker rights protection is crucial.

Protection and Lessons

• Ensuring Protection: Need to ensure protection of young workers in the digital economy.
• Health and Safety Lessons: Learn from the pandemic to improve health and safety norms for digital workers.

Challenges for Trade Unions

• Difficulties in organizing and representing workers in the digital economy.