The Worker Info Exchange organization has published its ten-point Manifesto, which demands immediate improvement of the situation of people working for Platforms. Since the Platforms are global, these demands are universal and apply to virtually all Platforms in all countries in the world where they operate. We publish the headlines from the Manifesto below, and the full text can be found here: workerinfoexchange.org
Here are 10 urgent priorities for the government to start protecting all workers – employed and self-employed – from algorithmic exploitation in Britain’s broken gig economy.
1. END TO ALGORITMIC DISCRIMINATION
A ban on the use of non-transparent algorithmic decision-making technology and dynamic wage determination and work allocation.
2. NO MORE ROBOTIC LAY-OFFS
Prohibition on the use of algorithmic decision-making to fire, discipline or sanction employees. People working through Online Platforms are often dismissed by algorithmic decision without notice or explanation.
3. LIMITATION ON EMPLOYEE TRACKING
Prohibiting the use of invasive surveillance systems that violate the dignity of employees.
4. TRANSPARENCY OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ALGORITHM AT WORK
Employees must have access to their personal data and to meaningful explanations of the algorithmic decision-making that affects them.
5. ENSURING EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Introducing a uniform employment status for all workers except those who are effectively self-employed, with the burden of proof placed on the employer, not the employee.
6. PAYMENT FOR THE ENTIRE WORK TIME
Working time with full statutory protection must last from the moment the employee logs in until he logs out, including waiting time.
7. EXTENSION OF TRADE UNION RIGHTS
Guaranteeing trade unions the right to consultation and information on technologies used in the workplace. Trade unions must be given a voice in the design, implementation and oversight of artificial intelligence and algorithms in the workplace.
8. OPEN DATA FOR EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITIES
Platforms should be forced to share anonymized data about their work based on open standards with public data stores where they operate.
9. ESTABLISH CAPACITY LIMITS
Local authorities must be empowered to limit the number of autonomous and human-operated vehicles that platforms can deploy on our streets to provide passenger and delivery services.
10. STRICT PENALTIES AND LICENSE CONDITIONS
Platform management must be held accountable for violating workers’ rights and data protection rights.