The Ethical Debate about the Gig Economy: A Review and Critical Analysis

Abstract

The gig economy is a phenomenon that is rapidly expanding, redefining the nature of work and contributing to a significant change in how contemporary economies are organised. Its expansion is not unproblematic. This article provides a clear and systematic analysis of the main ethical challenges caused by the gig economy. Following a brief overview of the gig economy, its scope and scale, we map the key ethical problems that it gives rise to, as they are discussed in the relevant literature. We map them onto three categories: the new organisation of work (what is done), the new nature of work (how it is done), and the new status of workers (who does it). We then evaluate a recent initiative from the EU that seeks to address the challenges of the gig economy. The 2019 report of the European High-Level Expert Group on the Impact of the Digital Transformation on EU Labour Markets is a positive step in the right direction. However, we argue that ethical concerns relating to algorithmic systems as mechanisms of control, and the discrimination, exclusion and disconnectedness faced by gig workers require further deliberation and policy response. A brief conclusion completes the analysis. The appendix presents the methodology underpinning our literature review.

Safeguarding European values with digital sovereignty: an analysis of statements and policies

“…This is problematic, not least because it could shield these companies from stricter governance requirements of the sort we identify here. This, in turn, could ultimately threaten fundamental EU values, with examples of technology companies already undermining workers' rights, including gig economy companies threatening the ability to collectively bargain (Tan et al, 2020;Tassinari & Maccarrone, 2020), and algorithmic bias leading to discriminatory outcomes (Tsamados et al, 2021).…”

Modelling Complex Relationships Between Sustainable Competitiveness and Digitalization

“…Today, many digital workers belong to the so-called gig economy. The term gig economy explains individuals (for example, freelancers) who are occasionally ondemand or in the short term, engaged to perform some jobs (Tan et al, 2021). The gig economy has the power to modify the labor market structure in terms of reporting false employment data.…”

“…For example, around 30% of the American adult population is engaged in the gig economy, and part of gig workers are classified as unemployed (Bracha & Burke, 2021). The context of the gig economy is differentiated by the size of the available industries and workers, dependency on digital technologies and flexibility in work (Tan et al, 2021). But, on the other hand, as a result of accelerated digitalization, the "digital shadow economy" emerged, which significantly affected results achieved in the formal sector.…”

Como lidar com o impacto da economia digital no mundo do trabalho?

“…16 Com isso, se tem um risco grande sobre a dificuldade de classificar esse trabalho prestado no âmbito da "Gig Economy", potencializando efeitos discriminatórios desses trabalhadores, quando comparados aos trabalhadores formais. 17 Nessa "Nova Economia", os ditos "empregadores" trabalham com um baixo nível de responsabilidade pelos seus colaboradores, podendo encerrar unilateralmente a relação com o "empregado", sem o pagamento de verbas rescisórias. 18 Outro aspecto que caracteriza essa nova relação de trabalho é o controle algorítmico, gerando uma nova modalidade de disputa entre os colaboradores, gerando um "sistema de reputação".…”