SHOULD WE TRANSFORM OR REPLACE DIGITAL DELIVERY PLATFORMS TO FIGHT AGAINST UBERIZATION?

Abstract

The business models of digital delivery platforms and their social consequences on cycle workers are increasingly being criticized. In several European countries, this has led to an evolution of the legal framework in order to recognize the employment status of cycle workers, as well as the social protections attached to this status. At the same time, voluntary initiatives are emerging to make these delivery services more responsible, be it within the existing digital platforms or within new organizations based on an alternative model, such as delivery cooperatives. This article aims at analyzing these initiatives to evaluate whether, to fight against the uberization and the precarious working conditions of cycle workers, it is sufficient to transform the existing platforms or whether they need to be replaced.