The History and Geography of Labor Movement Organizing in the Gig Work Economy

The rapid expansion of the gig economy has reshaped labor markets globally, with platform-based work increasingly substituting traditional employment (López-Martínez et al., 2021). While platform companies promote gig work as flexible and autonomous, gig workers themselves often face uncertain terms and precarious conditions, lacking fundamental labor protections such as health insurance, pension contributions, and collective bargaining rights (Schor, 2020; Thörnquist, 2019). In response, gig workers have mobilized through grassroots initiatives and labor unions, advocating for improved working conditions and legal recognition (Bozzon & Murgia, 2021; Maccarrone & Tassinari, 2022). This study examines the evolution of gig workers’ collective action through historical, geographical, and institutional lenses, highlighting key milestones, regional variations, and policy responses.

Historically, gig worker mobilization gained momentum in the mid-2010s, beginning with localized protests over wage reductions and unfair algorithmic management (Aslam & Woodcock, 2020). Over time, these movements evolved into transnational solidarity networks, influencing legal frameworks and regulatory debates (Tassinari & Maccarrone, 2020; Wells et al., 2021). Geographically, labor movements have yielded diverse outcomes. In the United States, legislative battles over worker classification have led to mixed results, with some states granting employment protections while others, under corporate influence, have reinforced independent contractor status (Ovetz, 2022). In contrast, the United Kingdom’s legal system has progressively recognized gig workers’ rights, granting them minimum wage and paid leave (Chan, 2021). Germany’s labor unions have supported gig workers, though the legal classification of self-employment continues to pose barriers (Greef & Schroeder, 2017). Meanwhile, Sweden has integrated gig workers into collective bargaining agreements, ensuring a stronger safety net (Selberg, 2023). At the European Union level, the recently proposed Platform Work Directive aims to establish a rebuttable presumption of employment, setting a precedent for broader worker protections (European Commission, 2021).

Using Esping-Andersen’s welfare state typology, this study further explores how institutional contexts shape policy responses to gig work (Esping-Andersen, 1990). In liberal welfare states like the U.S. and U.K., regulatory interventions remain limited and vary significantly by region, exacerbating labor market precarity (Campbell, 2018). Conservative welfare states, such as Germany, maintain stratified labor protections, complicating efforts to extend benefits to gig workers (Kocher, 2019). In social democratic models like Sweden, collective agreements have provided a more robust framework for labor rights (Selberg, 2023). The European Union’s legislative efforts represent a potential turning point, but their implementation across member states remains uncertain (iGlobe News, 2023).

This study contributes to ongoing debates on the labor market in general and labor rights in the gig economy specifically by providing a comparative analysis of gig worker mobilization and policy development. The findings suggest that while gig workers’ collective actions have driven legal and institutional changes, significant challenges remain in achieving sustained protections. The long-term success of these movements depends on continued labor solidarity, effective policy enforcement, and the ability to counteract corporate resistance. Future research should explore how emerging policies balance worker protections with the flexibility often cited as a core appeal of gig work.