Disconnecting labour: the impact of intra-platform algorithmic changes on the labour process and workers’ capacity to organise collectively

Mendon�a, Pedro; Kougiannou, Nadia

Abstract

This article examines how gig economy platform companies, via algorithmic management, shape working conditions and collective organisation of food delivery couriers. Using qualitative data from one case study operating in a city in the United Kingdom, the study captures real-time intraplatform unilateral changes in algorithmic management to provide increased flexibility for couriers. Findings show algorithmic changes generating a reconfigured, fragmented and compliant workforce. As a result, couriers demonstrate different interests and motivations to work for the company, where disparities in the demands for improved working conditions hindered efforts for collective organising. This article argues that intraplatform algorithmic changes create affordances that companies can exploit to concentrate power over labour even when conceding some control over the labour process.

Citation

Mendonça, P., & Kougiannou, N. (2023). Disconnecting labour: the impact of intra-platform algorithmic changes on the labour process and workers’ capacity to organise collectively. New Technology, Work and Employment, 38(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/ntwe.12251

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 20, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jul 4, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Deposit Date: Jun 23, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 4, 2022
• Journal: New Technology, Work and Employment
• Print ISSN: 0268-1072
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 1-20
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ntwe.12251
• Keywords: algorithmic management, collective organising, gig economy, labour process, platform work
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2881348