Digital Working Lives: Worker Autonomy and the Gig Economy

Digital technologies are transforming the world of work, leading to the emergence of a digital gig economy that threatens traditional labour relations. This book argues that digital technologies should be transformed into tools that support human development instead of subordinating it to algorithmic control, with a politics that transforms digital platforms into convivial tools that obey the rhythm of human life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Recent innovations in digital technologies have had a profound impact on the world of work, leading to the emergence of a digital gig economy that threatens to displace traditional labour relations based on legally regulated labour contracts. Companies such as Uber, Deliveroo, and Amazon Mechanical Turk rely increasingly on "independent contractors" who earn piece-rate wages by completing tasks sent to them via their smartphones. While this development may offer workers greater autonomy, it also raises concerns about exploitation, alienation, and exhaustion.

This book argues that the digital gig economy undermines workers' autonomy by putting digital technology in charge of workers' surveillance, leading to exploitation, alienation, and exhaustion. To secure a more sustainable future of work, digital technologies should be transformed into tools that support human development instead of subordinating it to algorithmic control. The best guarantee for human autonomy is a politics that transforms digital platforms into convivial tools that obey the rhythm of human life.

One of the key challenges facing the digital gig economy is the lack of control over work. Workers are often required to work long hours, with little control over their schedules, and are subject to constant monitoring and evaluation. This can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout, which can have negative impacts on their physical and mental health.

To address this issue, the book proposes a number of solutions. One of these is the introduction of a universal basic income (UBI). A UBI would provide a guaranteed income to all individuals, regardless of their employment status, which would allow workers to have more control over their work and their lives. This would also help to reduce income inequality and poverty, which are major contributors to social and economic instability.

Another solution is the implementation of worker-owned cooperatives. Worker-owned cooperatives are businesses that are owned and operated by their employees, rather than by a corporation or a private individual. These cooperatives can provide workers with greater control over their work and their lives, and can also be more sustainable and profitable than traditional businesses.

However, the implementation of worker-owned cooperatives can be challenging. Many workers are not aware of the benefits of worker-owned cooperatives, and may be reluctant to join them. Additionally, worker-owned cooperatives can face competition from traditional businesses, which may be able to offer lower prices and better benefits.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a number of policies. One of these is the promotion of worker-owned cooperatives through government subsidies and tax incentives. This would help to make worker-owned cooperatives more accessible to workers, and would also help to promote their growth and success.

Another policy is the implementation of worker-friendly regulations. Worker-friendly regulations would ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect, and would provide them with the necessary protections and benefits. This would include the right to a minimum wage, the right to overtime pay, and the right to paid leave.

In addition to these policies, the book also proposes a number of cultural changes. One of these is the recognition of the value of work. Work is not just a means of earning a living, but it is also a source of meaning and purpose. This recognition would help to reduce the stigma associated with unemployment and underemployment, and would encourage workers to pursue their passions and interests.

Another cultural change is the promotion of work-life balance. Work-life balance is the ability to balance work and personal life, and is essential for both physical and mental health. This can be achieved through policies such as flexible work hours, paid leave, and parental leave.

Finally, the book proposes a number of technological solutions. One of these is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automate certain tasks. AI can be used to improve productivity and efficiency, but it can also be used to automate jobs that are currently performed by workers. This can lead to job loss and economic inequality, and can also be harmful to workers' health and well-being.

To address this issue, the book proposes a number of policies. One of these is the implementation of a universal basic income (UBI). A UBI would provide a guaranteed income to all individuals, regardless of their employment status, which would allow workers to have more control over their work and their lives. This would also help to reduce income inequality and poverty, which are major contributors to social and economic instability.

Another policy is the implementation of worker-friendly regulations. Worker-friendly regulations would ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect, and would provide them with the necessary protections and benefits. This would include the right to a minimum wage, the right to overtime pay, and the right to paid leave.

In addition to these policies, the book also proposes a number of technological solutions. One of these is the use of AI to automate certain tasks. AI can be used to improve productivity and efficiency, but it can also be used to automate jobs that are currently performed by workers. This can lead to job loss and economic inequality, and can also be harmful to workers' health and well-being.

To address this issue, the book proposes a number of policies. One of these is the implementation of a universal basic income (UBI). A UBI would provide a guaranteed income to all individuals, regardless of their employment status, which would allow workers to have more control over their work and their lives. This would also help to reduce income inequality and poverty, which are major contributors to social and economic instability.

Another policy is the implementation of worker-friendly regulations. Worker-friendly regulations would ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect, and would provide them with the necessary protections and benefits. This would include the right to a minimum wage, the right to overtime pay, and the right to paid leave.

In addition to these policies, the book also proposes a number of technological solutions. One of these is the use of AI to automate certain tasks. AI can be used to improve productivity and efficiency, but it can also be used to automate jobs that are currently performed by workers. This can lead to job loss and economic inequality, and can also be harmful to workers' health and well-being.

In conclusion, recent innovations in digital technologies have had a profound impact on the world of work, leading to the emergence of a digital gig economy that threatens to displace traditional labour relations based on legally regulated labour contracts. To secure a more sustainable future of work, digital technologies should be transformed into tools that support human development instead of subordinating it to algorithmic control. The best guarantee for human autonomy is a politics that transforms digital platforms into convivial tools that obey the rhythm of human life. By implementing a universal basic income, implementing worker-friendly regulations, and promoting work-life balance, we can create a more equitable and sustainable society.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 227 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538173800