Deliverers of food or packages, translators, and plumbers often work through digital platforms. Some of these platform workers find themselves in a vulnerable situation. To better protect them against unhealthy working conditions, they need to be reached more effectively. For instance, for research and information about healthy and safe work. Currently, there is a lack of insight into the scope of this group and their own experiences. This is concluded by RIVM and TNO in a report on the opportunities and risks of societal developments for platform workers.
The five most impactful developments that RIVM and TNO see for workers in vulnerable situations are AI, new legislation and regulations, migration, labor market scarcity, and globalization. These developments present both opportunities and risks for healthy and safe work and converge for workers in vulnerable situations, such as platform workers.
Strong Dependency and Unfavorable Working Conditions
Some platform workers find themselves in a vulnerable situation. This group is dependent on platform work and performs relatively simple tasks. If no special skills or knowledge are required, these individuals can easily be replaced. Other working conditions are also unfavorable: they work for a low rate, work long hours, and operate under high time pressure. Moreover, platform workers have less contact with colleagues and are not represented in trade unions or a works council of an organization.
Jobs Assigned via Algorithms
Platform workers are matched to tasks in a low-threshold and efficient manner via algorithms. Sometimes the rate and work are determined by AI as well. This provides an opportunity to easily get to work, but it also means they have less influence over when and how they perform the work. Furthermore, implicit assumptions and biases in the algorithms may increase the chances of someone being discriminated against and not getting work.
Better Outreach in the Future
Platform workers are still difficult to reach for research and policy. Poor digital skills or a lack of language proficiency may also hinder the filtering of the right information. They are currently not reached through clients, platforms, and occupational health professionals. Therefore, it is important to establish suitable communication channels to better reach platform workers.
This research was funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and conducted by RIVM and TNO.