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Platform Labour Unrest in a Global Perspective: How, Where and Why Do Platform Workers Protest?

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Umney

    (University of Leeds, UK)

  • Mark Stuart

    (University of Leeds, UK)

  • Ioulia Bessa

    (University of Leeds, UK)

  • Simon Joyce

    (University of Leeds, UK)

  • Denis Neumann

    (University of Leeds, UK)

  • Vera Trappmann

    (University of Leeds, UK)

Abstract

Labour unrest by platform workers is a growing global phenomenon, but several questions require deeper understanding. What motivates platform labour unrest? Which actors and strategies are involved? How does this vary across regions? Systematic answers are hindered by the lack of large datasets. Uniquely, this article analyses a global dataset comprising 1271 instances of platform labour unrest. It reveals two main dimensions of platform labour struggle: those defending or extending protective regulatory institutions (regulatory protests); and those seeking a larger share of value created (distributive protests). The former more often involve mainstream unions and methods like legal challenges. The latter more often involve grassroots organisation, and the collective withdrawal of labour and demonstrations. Theoretically, the article elaborates on Silver’s distinction between Marx-type and Polanyi-type labour unrest to explain and contextualise these findings. These patterns reveal variation within the growing wave of platform labour unrest that have not yet been systematically examined.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Umney & Mark Stuart & Ioulia Bessa & Simon Joyce & Denis Neumann & Vera Trappmann, 2024. "Platform Labour Unrest in a Global Perspective: How, Where and Why Do Platform Workers Protest?," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(1), pages 3-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:38:y:2024:i:1:p:3-26
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170231209676
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bessa, Ioulia, & Joyce, Simon, & Neumann, Denis, & Stuart, Mark, & Trappmann, Vera, & Umney, Charles,, 2022. "A global analysis of worker protest in digital labour platforms," ILO Working Papers 995192093002676, International Labour Organization.
    2. Ivanova, Mirela & Bronowicka, Joanna & Kocher, Eva & Degner, Anne, 2018. "Foodora and Deliveroo: The App as a Boss? Control and autonomy in app-based management - the case of food delivery riders," Working Paper Forschungsförderung 107, Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, Düsseldorf.
    3. Angela Rauseo, 2018. "Riders on the Precarious Digital Work. Foodora and the Riders' Collective Action in Italy," Economia & lavoro, Carocci editore, issue 2, pages 43-52.
    4. Jovana Karanović & Hans Berends & Yuval Engel, 2021. "Regulated Dependence: Platform Workers’ Responses to New Forms of Organizing," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(4), pages 1070-1106, June.
    5. Michael David Maffie, 2020. "The Role of Digital Communities in Organizing Gig Workers," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 123-149, January.
    6. Leighton, Patricia, 2016. "Professional self-employment, new power and the sharing economy: Some cautionary tales from Uber," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 22(6), pages 859-874, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kaveri Medappa, 2025. "‘Lived Capitalisation’: How Speculative Finance Shapes the Social and Financial Lives of ‘Gig’ Workers in Bengaluru, India," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 39(5), pages 1247-1268, October.
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    3. Elisabeth Bethge, 2025. "Voices Beyond the Road: Comparison of Online Employee Voice in Traditional Transport and the Ride-Sharing Industry," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 39(6), pages 1303-1328, December.

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