The gig economy has revolutionized the way we work, offering flexibility and convenience to millions of workers around the world. However, this new way of working has also brought to light the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by gig workers, particularly in countries like Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa, and India.
In Mexico City, a growing number of female delivery workers have turned to gig work as a means of making a living. While platforms like Uber, DiDi, and Rappi offer flexibility, many women find themselves exposed to road accidents, crime, and gender violence. The lack of protections and rights for these workers leaves them vulnerable in their day-to-day work.
Similarly, in Vietnam, gig workers for platforms like Grab, Be, and ShopeeFood brave extreme weather conditions to deliver food, packages, and people. From heatwaves to floods and storms, these workers power on, facing the elements to fulfill their duties. The resilience of these workers is commendable, but the lack of support and benefits leaves them at risk.
In South Africa, many migrants and refugees turn to food courier companies for work, navigating dangerous roads and facing numerous challenges. As gig workers, they are considered contractors and do not qualify for benefits like sick leave, disability cover, or medical insurance. Additionally, they are unable to join formal unions, further exacerbating their vulnerability in the gig economy.
In India, workers for popular home services app Urban Company face pressure to perform for an increasingly demanding algorithm. The uncertainty of their future and the constant need to meet high expectations take a toll on these workers, highlighting the harsh realities of gig work in the country.
Despite these challenges, gig workers around the world are fighting back. From Ho Chi Minh City to Johannesburg, workers are organizing online and offline, creating support systems, and holding companies accountable for their treatment of workers. These stories of resilience and determination showcase the power of workers coming together to reinvent the rules of the global gig economy.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Rest of World and Thomson Reuters Foundation sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of gig workers in various countries. The series highlights the need for better protections, rights, and support for gig workers, as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the gig economy.
