Algorithmic Governance, Solidarity and Resistance in the Gig Economy
This paper explores how gig workers in Melbourne and Dhaka exercise agency to earn and sustain their livelihoods. Gig workers do not only experience extortion by digital labour platforms such as Uber, DoorDash and Hungry Panda, but they also face various challenges, such as precarious working conditions and algorithmic control of their activities. All these factors constrain gig workers’ autonomy and bargaining power. Consequently, Gig workers have fewer opportunities to exercise their agency. Within this context, drawing on in-depth interviews with 44 ridesharing drivers, 39 food delivery workers, seven government and non-government stakeholders and one Focus Group Discussion with members of the Dhaka ride sharing Drivers’ Union, this paper contributes to the literature on digital labour platforms and resistance showing how gig workers are able to utilise both covert and overt resistance strategies to protest platforms’ exploitative mechanisms.