In search of an adequate European policy response to the platform economy. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fabo, Brian; Karanovic, Jovana; Dukova, Katerina
• Is Part Of: Transfer. Volume 23:Number 2(2017:May)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Online platforms -- labour platforms -- virtual work -- collaborative economy -- 'sharing' economy -- disadvantaged/discouraged workers; Labor movement -- Europe -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Europe -- Periodicals; 331.09405
• DOI: 10.1177/1024258916688861
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1024-2589

Abstract

This article contributes to the debate on labour platforms (e.g. TaskRabbit, CoContest, ListMinut) by analysing the potential of such platforms. Although we see potential in online platforms in terms of job creation and providing opportunities to discouraged and disadvantaged people, we also address some of the challenges related to such work. Presenting empirical data, we argue that the current labour market and working conditions created by online platforms resemble 19th century laissez-faire. We thus call for the urgent creation of a regulatory framework taking into consideration the suggestions presented in our article.