Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg’s Post

🌐 Rethinking Social Protection and Social Contracts in the Context of the Gig Economy Debates are swirling around the nature of the social contract and its regulation, particularly in developing contexts marked by large informal economies. Concurrently, the ascent of the gig economy has witnessed a substantial surge in individuals engaging in short-term gigs as independent contractors on platforms such as Uber, Sweepsouth, and Upwork. While celebrated as an avenue for marginalized groups like young people and migrants to engage in the economy, gig work also shines a light on the hurdles faced by informal economy workers: from meager wages to the absence of social protection and job security. Join us for a webinar where we delve into the findings from a comprehensive study on gig work and its implications for reshaping the social contract. This event is poised to contribute significantly to pivotal discussions surrounding SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. 📅 Date: 27th March 2024 ⏰ Time: 13:00 - 14:00 UCT+1 🔍 Presenters: 👤 Prof. Lauren Graham (Professor and Director of CSDA, University of Johannesburg) 👤 Khuliso Matidza (Researcher at CSDA, University of Johannesburg) 💬 Discussant: 👥 Prof. Marianne S. Ulriksen (University of Southern Denmark, and project lead of JUST SOCIETY) 📌 Hosted by: The Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg, in partnership with JUST SOCIETY, University of Southern Denmark. We invite you to explore how social policies can navigate the unique dynamics of gig work, considering the viewpoints of gig workers, policymakers, and platform owners. Together, let's envision a revised social contract that is more inclusive and expansive. 🔗 [Register here] https://lnkd.in/dp7vKrWW to join the webinar #GigEconomy #SocialContracts #SocialProtection #SDGs #DecentWork #EconomicGrowth #Webinar #CSDA #JustSociety #UniversityOfJohannesburg #UniversityOfSouthernDenmark #InclusiveEconomy

Invitation to Webinar: Rethinking Social Protection and Social Contracts in the Context of the Gig Economy | 27 March | 14h00 -15h00 SAST I will be chairing a thought-provoking webinar on the impact of the gig economy on social contracts and social protection! The rise of platforms like Uber and Upwork has changed how people work. While offering flexibility, gig work often lacks social safety nets and fair wages. This webinar explores: ~ How social policies can adapt to the unique challenges of gig work. ~ Perspectives of gig workers, policymakers, and platform owners. ~ Envisioning a more inclusive social contract. The webinar contributes to discussions around UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. When: (Today) March 27, 2024 Time: 14:00 - 15:00 SAST (South African Standard Time) Presenters: ~ Professor Lauren Graham (Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg) ~ Khuliso Matidza (CSDA, University of Johannesburg) Discussant: ~ Professor Marianne Sandvad Ulriksen (Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark) The event is hosted by the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg, and the JUST SOCIETY, University of Southern Denmark. #GigEconomy #SocialContract #FutureOfWork #SDGs #DecentWork #Webinar #SocialProtection #JustSociety #CSDA #UJ #Denmark https://lnkd.in/dEhNzPPm

Rethinking the Gig Economy: Balancing Flexibility and Fairness 💼 On one hand, it offers flexible opportunities for workers to choose when, where, and how much they want to work 🕒💻. This can be a game-changer for those who value autonomy, have caregiving responsibilities, or are simply looking to supplement their income 💸. With the rise of platforms like Uber, TaskRabbit, and Upwork, it's never been easier to monetise your skills and time 🚀. On the other hand, the gig economy has been criticised for exploiting workers, denying them basic rights and benefits 🤕. Without access to minimum wage guarantees, paid time off, or healthcare, gig workers are left vulnerable to the whims of the market 🌪️. The lack of job security and stability can be daunting, making it difficult for workers to plan for the future 📅. So, is the gig economy exploiting workers or offering flexible opportunities? The answer lies somewhere in between 🤝. While it's true that some workers are taking advantage of the flexibility and autonomy offered by gig work, others are struggling to make ends meet and lacking protection 🤕. To truly make the gig economy work for everyone, we need to address the issues of worker exploitation and lack of benefits 💪. This can be achieved through policy changes, such as portable benefits and minimum wage guarantees, as well as a shift in cultural attitudes towards valuing and respecting gig workers 💕. Let's work towards creating a gig economy that is fair, equitable, and beneficial for all parties involved 🌈. #GigEconomy #FlexibleWork #WorkerRights #Exploitation 

Seismic shifts to labor markets, economies and migration patterns have led to the rise of the gig economy in many countries, with immigrants at the core of this growing sector. But as governments grapple with the meteoric rise of the gig economy, migration and migrants have been somewhat of an afterthought. Where policymakers have developed policy, they have not considered the interconnectedness of gig work and immigration. As a result, they are missing out on aligning labor and migration policies in ways that could benefit migrants, receiving communities and labor markets alike, Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh and Meghan Benton argue in a NEW policy brief. The analysis: 🔸 examines policy responses to the rise of the gig economy 🔸 looks at who does gig work 🔸 offers insights on ways to better align labor and migration policies Read the brief ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gTbUdcAp #gigeconomy #gigwork #futureofwork #platformeconomy

𝗣𝗜𝗗𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘: 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐠 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 Policy is needed to address income instability and the lack of social safety nets among gig workers. While gig workers appreciate flexibility and autonomy, their rights must be protected while allowing businesses to meet market demands without hindering innovation. This concern was central in one of the studies presented during the knowledge-sharing forum of the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P), an initiative of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The study titled “Evolving A Governance Framework For Workers In The Gig Economy”, was presented by Division Chief Miraluna Tacadao of the Department of Labor and Employment-Institute for Labor Studies. It examined the institutional challenges within the gig economy and proposed policy recommendations to address these issues. Read full article at https://lnkd.in/gh4ZqNCf or watch the recording of the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gcTfveQU.

📊 Did you know? According to Eurostat, 12.0% of the extended EU labour force faced labour market slack in 2023. That’s 27.1 million people across the EU, aged 15-74, whose potential remains untapped due to unemployment, underemployment, or challenging circumstances that keep them from fully engaging in the workforce. 👩🔧 👨🍳 👨⚖️ 👨💼 Labour market slack reflects an available but underutilized workforce. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dSDRm5Yd 📈 At #SYNCLUSIVE, we're committed to making a difference in Portugal, Finland, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria by supporting vulnerable groups through free training and resources in order to help people re-enter the #workforce or pursue better #job opportunities. 🚀 Discover more about how we’re empowering communities: https://lnkd.in/dyt-XzVg 🌍 #LabourMarketSlack #VulnerableGroups #SYNCLUSIVE #LabourMarket Image: EUROSTAT

New Policy Guide Charts Path to Transform Kenya’s Gig Economy. A new toolkit, developed in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, eMobilis Mobile Technology Institute Technology Institute, and Africa Practice, offers a comprehensive roadmap to reform Kenya’s gig economy and create a more equitable and sustainable sector for over one million workers and businesses alike. The new toolkit, titled “A Policy Guide for Digital Economy Progress,” is the culmination of extensive research and engagement with key stakeholders in the gig and digital economy. It offers a detailed policy proposal to address the pressing challenges faced by digitally delivering gig workers and promote the sector’s growth and development. “As a leader in digital skills training, we see firsthand the transformative power of Kenya’s gig economy. This guide provides a clear pathway to create an environment where gig workers can access better opportunities, and where businesses can invest with confidence in this rapidly growing sector,” said Ken Gikunda emobilis, eMobilis Managing Director and Co-founder. Richard Kiplagat, Managing Director of East Africa and Group Chief Commercial Officer at Africa Practice said, “This toolkit represents a significant step forward in shaping the future of Kenya’s gig economy. By addressing regulatory gaps and advocating for worker protections, we aim to create a fair and sustainable digital ecosystem that allows Kenya’s young people to thrive and compete on a global scale.” Read more >> https://lnkd.in/daGqZ_iR

Gig work is more than a trend—it’s the future of work. With over 1.2 million gig workers in Kenya, this sector is pivotal to our economy. However, legal ambiguity for job providers and workers and algorithmic biases need urgent attention. We are proud to have partnered with the Mastercard Foundation and eMobilis Technology Training Institute and Ajira Digital Program to launch a new policy guide designed to transform the gig economy into a sustainable source of dignified work. The guide outlines actionable steps to create a future where gig workers thrive and businesses can invest with confidence. 🚀 Download the guide now and be part of the change: https://lnkd.in/dppc74sF #GigWork #PolicyReform #PolicyInnovation #SystemsChange #CollaborativeGovernance #FutureOfWork Cc Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) 

Here's a concise Instagram post with emojis and SEO-friendly hashtags, reflecting on the implications of the new labor ruling on economic dependence and its impact on workers with secondary incomes: --- 🔍💡 New Labor Ruling Insight: Economic Dependence and Secondary Incomes 🏢💼 The heart of the recent labor ruling? Economic dependence. If your livelihood significantly relies on income from a company, this ruling could redefine your employment status 🔄💵. For many, gigs like these aren't just extra cash; they're essential for making ends meet, serving as a crucial second income. But what happens if the company you depend on for this income fails? Suddenly, you might find yourself not just out of a gig, but questioning your economic stability 🚨📉. This raises a pivotal question: Does relying on such income for daily living make you economically dependent on these platforms, and how does this shape our understanding of employment in today's gig economy? 🤔🛠️ #LaborRuling #EconomicDependence #SecondaryIncome #GigEconomy #EmploymentStatus #JobSecurity #IncomeStability #LaborLaws #WorkforceChanges #EconomicImpact

📱 The Risks of Canada’s Platform Economy Boom for Workers As Canada’s platform economy continues to grow, it brings with it significant risks for workers. In her latest article, Atieh Yekta explains how this transformed labor market threatens job security and disrupts traditional employment structures. Gig and platform-based jobs may offer flexibility, but they also leave workers more vulnerable, with fewer protections and less stability than conventional employment. It’s critical to understand these risks and explore ways to better support workers in this evolving economy. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g_AQwHwJ #PlatformEconomy #GigEconomy #JobSecurity #FutureOfWork #PolicySolutions #LaborMarket