Cooperatives in the Gig Economy: A Bright Spot for Workers and Industries?

The gig economy has often been criticized for its lack of worker protections and benefits, but platform cooperatives offer a viable alternative model that prioritizes people and communities. In this keynote, Trebor Scholz will delve into the principles and models of platform co-ops and provide examples from sectors such as mobility, care, and delivery. Scholz will illustrate how Drivers Co-op, the tertiary ride hailing company in NYC, can support worker self-management while also contesting traditional platform businesses.

While cooperatives that chiefly rely on digital platforms are not a one-size-fits-all solution, they can be a valuable element in the social economy toolkit. Join our keynote in exploring how platform cooperatives can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable digital future, especially in the global south, by combining the innovation of digital platforms with the long-standing principles of cooperatives.

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