Trabajadoras/es de plataformas de reparto: Trayectorias laborales y representaciones. Análisis a partir de una encuesta panel en CABA (2020-2022)

Article

Authorship

HAIDAR, JULIETA ; DIANA MENENDEZ, NICOLAS ; ARIAS, CORA CECILIA ; Bachoer, Lucía

Date

2023

Publishing House and Editing Place

CITRA

Magazine

Metodo Citra, vol. 14 (pp. 1-85) - ISSN 2618-351X
CITRA

ISSN

2618-351X

Summary Information provided by the agent in SIGEVA

This report presents the main results from research conducted by two projects from CITRA (CONICET-UMET) and IIGG (UBA). The aim of this study is to describe and analyse the transformations and continuities concerning delivery platform workers in Buenos Aires city between 2020 and 2022. It specifically analyses workers´ labour trajectories, i.e., their moving into different occupations, and their representations, i.e., formulations of meaning about an experience, in this case, about platfo... This report presents the main results from research conducted by two projects from CITRA (CONICET-UMET) and IIGG (UBA). The aim of this study is to describe and analyse the transformations and continuities concerning delivery platform workers in Buenos Aires city between 2020 and 2022. It specifically analyses workers´ labour trajectories, i.e., their moving into different occupations, and their representations, i.e., formulations of meaning about an experience, in this case, about platform work. This research consists of a panel survey, i.e., a survey applied to the same group of persons in different moments: in July 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic and in August 2022, in the “post-pandemic” context. The former was responded by 401 delivery workers and the latter by 201, half of the 2020 sample. The respondents of the second wave were divided into two groups: those who continue to work on delivery platforms, at least some hours a week, and those who do not anymore. With respect to the occupational situation, we asked how their position on the labour market has evolved, in terms of sectors and labour conditions. Are the platforms another stage in informal labour market trajectories, i.e., do the workers come from and go to labour informality? Regarding the representations, we analyse the construction of meanings concerning platform work over time. Do the workers still value the same aspects of platform work positively and negatively as two years ago? For example, how has the way they value flexible work schedules evolved? The main results from this research show that delivery platform workers are a heterogeneous group. The platforms are always an option for work, but they occupy a different place in workers’ trajectories: they are a temporal “refuge” for some, and a stable job for others. Also, this job is part of itinerant trajectories through different working conditions, between formality and informality. Changes in the context, as well as the experience with platform work or with other jobs, do not substantially affect which characteristics of platform work are valued positively and negatively by the workers. The flexible work schedule is identified as an increasingly valued characteristic, which workers do not want to do without. We hope that the empirical data, analysis and results from this report will be used as inputs in order to contribute to the regulation of platform work, as well as to the organisation of delivery platform works, with a view to guarantee their labour rights.