Collective Interests in Individualised Work: An Empirical Analysis of Self-Perceptions and Orientations of Platform Workers and their Implications for Regulation and Representation

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of platform workers' demands and perceived challenges regarding their working conditions. Firstly, it examines these demands and challenges in detail. Secondly, it explores whether, despite the atomisation of workers, there are shared demands concerning the regulation of their working conditions. These questions are investigated using both quantitative and qualitative data. The findings reveal that, despite the prevalence of precarious working conditions and an 'objective' need for regulatory measures in the platform economy as highlighted in previous research, only a minority of the workers studied advocate for collective interest representation. In contrast, the majority support the notion of self-responsibility. These findings indicate significant challenges regarding regulation and representation within highly individualised labour in the platform economy.

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