Algorithmic work coordination and workers' voice in the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Foodora/Lieferando. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schreyer, Jasmin
• Is Part Of: Work, organisation, labour & globalisation. Volume 15:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Platform Economy -- On-demand Workforce -- Algorithmic Management -- Algorithmic Work Coordination -- Workers' voice -- Co-determination -- COVID-19 Pandemic; Work -- Periodicals; Labor -- Periodicals; Division of labor -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Periodicals; Division of labor; Industrial relations; Labor; Work; Periodicals; 331
• DOI: 10.13169/workorgalaboglob.15.1.0069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-6428

Abstract

Abstract : The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the conflictual nature of work in the digital platform economy as if it were ignited under a magnifying glass. In this context, this article focuses on the logic of control of algorithmic labour coordination, adopting a qualitative case study approach. In a situation in which the technical infrastructure of online platforms generally impedes labour protests, it examines the case of Lieferando (formerly Foodora) in Germany, where, unusually, the on-demand workforce is employed. It concludes that in this situation, the algorithmic management of Lieferando facilitates labour protests because of a lack of communication between employer and worker. Furthermore, in the COVID-19 pandemic, institutionalised relationships function as a countervailing power to that of the employer, forcing it to act.