What makes platforms powerful?

A Rebel's Guide to the Gig Economy is a series of podcasts by journalist Ben Wray and researcher Marini Thorne which gets behind the tech jargon and the CEO propaganda to examine the reality of work in the gig economy and look at how gig workers can challenge the power of their algorithmic bosses.

In Episode 8, Ben and Marini explain why big digital labour platforms like Uber have been able to accumulate so much power so quickly. They find that technology is only a small part of the answer.

Previous episodes:

Ep 1: ⁠⁠What is the gig economy?⁠⁠

Ep 2: ⁠⁠Why are gig workers paid-per-task?⁠⁠

Ep 3: ⁠⁠What is the algorithm?⁠⁠

Ep 4: ⁠⁠Are gig workers their ‘own boss’?⁠⁠

Ep 5: ⁠Is gig work really ‘flexible’?⁠

Ep 6: Is the gig economy really a “godsend” for women?

Ep 7: Is the gig economy good for migrants & ethnic minorities?

Future episodes:

Ep 9: Why do platforms struggle to turn a profit?

Ep 10: Why should gig workers join a union?

Ep 11: How do gig workers get power over their data?

You can keep up-to-date with all future episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or at BraveNewEurope.com/The-Gig-Economy-Project.

Follow us on Twitter or Instagram @Project_gig.

If you have any feedback on the Rebel’s Guide series, email GEP@BraveNewEurope.com.