JUST SOCIETY, University of Southern Denmark’s Post

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

🌍 💼 Debates are swirling around the social contract and its renegotiation, especially in developing contexts with large informal economies. At the same time, the gig economy's surge has brought about a notable increase in individuals working on platforms like Uber, Sweepsouth, and Upwork, where they take on short-term gigs as independent contractors. While this shift is celebrated as an opportunity for marginalised groups such as young people and migrants to participate in the economy, it also sheds light on the hurdles faced by informal economy workers – from low wages to job insecurity. We're thrilled to invite you to a webinar where we'll delve into findings from a study on gig work and how it's prompting us to rethink the social contract. This discussion is crucial for advancing conversations around SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Hosted by the Centre for Social Development in Africa, at the University of Johannesburg, in collaboration with JUST SOCIETY SDU at Syddansk Universitet – University of Southern Denmark, this webinar will explore how social policies can navigate the unique dynamics of gig work. We'll consider the perspectives of gig workers themselves, policymakers, and platform owners, exploring the implications for crafting a revised social contract that's more inclusive and expansive. 📅 Date: 27 March 2024 🕰 Time: 14h00 - 15h00 SAST 🔗 Register Here: https://bit.ly/4a0hKTE Let's come together to shape a future where everyone has access to decent work and economic opportunities! #GigEconomy #SDG8 #DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth

"The handmill gives you society with the feudal lord; the steam-mill, society with the industrial capitalist." - Karl Marx This quote highlights how technological advancements reshape societal structures. Today's gig economy, powered by digital platforms, is another such transformation. It challenges traditional notions of employment, offering both flexibility and precarity. Let's discuss: 1. How does the gig economy alter power dynamics between workers and platforms? 2. What are the implications for social safety nets and worker protections? 3. Does the gig economy signal a new era of economic freedom, or does it mask a return to feudal-like conditions? The term "feudal-like conditions" is used metaphorically in this context to highlight certain similarities between the two systems. In feudalism, serfs were tied to the land and worked for the lord in exchange for protection and a small portion of the land's produce. Similarly, gig workers are often tied to digital platforms, relying on them for work opportunities. They may experience limited control over their working conditions, income instability, and a lack of traditional worker protections like minimum wage, overtime pay, and benefits.  However, it's important to note that the gig economy is not a direct replica of feudalism. There are key differences, such as the ability of gig workers to switch platforms and the lack of physical coercion. Nevertheless, this comparison serves to emphasize the potential for exploitation and power imbalances within the gig economy, with the sole intention to prompt discussions about necessary regulations and protections for workers in this new economic landscape. Further reading: Wood, A. J., Graham, M., Lehdonvirta, V., & Hjorth, I. (2019). Good Gig, Bad Gig: Autonomy and Algorithmic Control in the Global Gig Economy. Work, Employment and Society, 33(1), 56-75. https://lnkd.in/d5CHBrrc #gigeconomy #futureofwork #economicsovereignty #socialjustice

📱 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

Transforming Kenya’s Digital Economy: New Toolkit Offers Policy Roadmap To Reform The Gig Economy And Impact Millions Of Workers A groundbreaking new toolkit, developed in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, eMobilis 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. Formally recognized in 2007 under Kenya Vision 2030, Kenya’s gig economy significantly contributes to the overall GDP of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, increasing from 1.4 percent in 2017 to 2.4 percent in 2021. Currently, 1.2 million workers, most of whom operate within the informal sector, are employed in the gig economy. With the sector’s annual value estimated at USD 109 million, gig work has become a cornerstone of the digital economy. However, despite this growth, gigworkers face numerous obstacles,  algorithmic bias on global platforms to limited legal protections in Kenya. “A Policy Guide for Digital Economy Progress” offers actionable recommendations to help Kenya’s gig economy reach its full potential. The toolkit uses a systems-change approach to strengthening and leveraging the connection between labour protection and a conducive environment for businesses, such as digital labour platforms and business-process-outsourcing enterprises. It proposes five key interventions, including the establishment of a tripartite forum to set industry standards and a multi-purpose gig worker registration platform. The guide also emphasises the need for legal reforms to improve protections for gig workers under the Employment Act 2007 and other labour laws, while incentivising businesses to invest in dignified gig work. “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 Mwenda, eMobilis Managing Director and Co-founder. Muchemi Wambugu – Resident, Digital Economy Mastercard Foundation delivering a keynote address. The guide has been developed through extensive research and engagement with over 190 stakeholders, including gig workers, job providers, and policymakers. Their voices and insights have shaped this policy proposal, ensuring that it reflects the needs and aspirations of those most affected by the sector’s development.     Ken Mwenda, Co-founder &

I'm pleased to share that my recent research with Joshua Healy into the precarious conditions of gig economy workers has been profiled on the Faculty of Business and Economics' Research page. In my Research Snapshot you can read about our research which argues that consumer attitudes are an important but overlooked factor in improving conditions for gig workers in an industry known for unsafe conditions, low pay and the exploitation of vulnerable workers. Our research suggests policymakers need to remain attentive to consumer attitudes and mindful of platform companies’ power to influence them. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gEamprcw Interested in reading further? Read our recently published open access article in New Technology, Work and Employment here: https://lnkd.in/gsCCSHjH University of Melbourne Chelsea Harris Wiley #gigwork #gigs #gigeconomy #platforms #decentwork #futureofwork #futurework #sustainability #ethicalconsumption #industrialrelations #HRM

Thanks for writing and sharing this, Andreas Pekarek, PhD University of Melbourne! A neat summation of key ideas from our recent article, here: https://lnkd.in/gE-MpdZs

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐆𝐈𝐆 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 At the end of this write up, click on the link to download the PDF on GIG Economy and how it affects Africans. The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short-term, flexible jobs rather than permanent positions. Workers, often referred to as "gig workers," typically take on freelance or contract work, often facilitated through digital platforms. This economy includes a variety of roles, such as ride-sharing drivers, food delivery services, and freelance creative work. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐠 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Workers can choose when and where to work. 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲: Opportunities span many industries and job types. 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧: Platforms like Uber, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit connect workers with clients. 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬: Gig workers often miss out on traditional employment benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐠 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄-𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐈𝐆 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬. https://lnkd.in/dDndvayR 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐈𝐆 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 https://lnkd.in/d2Zi5ScD 𝐃𝐫. 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐤𝐢-𝐎𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐰𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭: La Plage Meta Verse An incurable optimist A believer in information, knowledge and education #economy #education #africa

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) 

Many young gig workers appreciate the control over their own schedule and the social connections that their work affords them. But the challenges they face — ranging from extremely low pay to racism — far outweigh these benefits, leaving them rightfully concerned about earning enough to live while planning for the future. This report from the Gig Worker Learning Project, a partnership between The Workers Lab and The Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative, highlights young individuals working multiple jobs on a regular basis to meet basic needs and care for loved ones. These workers are a critical piece of our economy, providing services across a wide range of industries. They deliver our food, repair our homes, and provide our transportation and childcare. Unfortunately, the lack of stability and benefits associated with gig work can make it extremely difficult for these workers to thrive. What we know at The James Irvine Foundation, and what the report emphasizes, is that solutions for the future need to be shaped by the leaders of the future, who are closest to the problems and have the most at stake. Gig workers don’t only want better pay, they also want on-the-job training opportunities, employer buy-in to benefits programs, and stability in the face of technological developments. Leaders across sectors should work alongside gig workers to address their concerns and make gig work a viable, safe, and stable economic path for those who choose it. #FutureOfWork #GigWorkers #WorkforceDevelopment https://lnkd.in/g8AgQKBG