Rise in alternative work is eroding employee benefits

Subject

Alternative work arrangements.

Significance

Drivers’ strikes against the ride-sharing company Uber and similar companies worldwide point to growing tensions within the ‘gig economy’.

Impacts

• Firms offering services such as payroll and cleaning will see demand grow.
• Independence and extra income from online gig work are offset by the loss of predictability and employment protections.
• Ride-sharing drivers are uniquely disadvantaged on wages; they will create the most pressure for regulatory change.