One and the same answer: the platforms. They regulate their market themselves.

Through user contracts which must be accepted by the users (providers and clients): platforms determine their own terms and conditions and modify them according to their development strategy.

The way in which the platforms operate is based on algorithms (customer allocation, planning, rating) whose modes of operation remain mysterious to users.

Workers bear the costs and risks associated with the services: investment in the work tool, uncertainty of income, lack of protection of working conditions, lack of representation and collective bargaining.

However, workers remain largely dependent on the platforms, since they determine the rates for services, define how the work is to be carried out and have various forms of sanctions.

Worker evaluation systems (usually based on client ratings and benefit acceptance rates) determine the likelihood of being hired for future work, the loss of any bonuses, financial penalties, or even deactivation of the account. Workers do not know how assessments are calculated and are unaware of appeal procedures.

Finally, a great deal of opacity also surrounds issues related to the management of personal data and the respect of privacy.

What do you think about it?

• What do you think of this way of working?
• How can the worker have more of a say?
• How can the worker defend himself against negative evaluations? 
• How can the system be made more transparent?
• Are there any alternatives?
• …

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