Working Towards a Fair Platform Economy: Policy and Practices
Annual rating of digital platforms, based on the labour practices being maintained in the Bangladeshi digital platform-based gig economy.
In addition to rating the platforms, the DataSense team arranged and conducted workshop and meetings with stakeholders, including platforms, worker unions, researchers, business associations, etc. The engagements focused on identifying the policy gaps in ensuring fair labour practices in the platform economy of Bangladesh, imparting knowledge on the policy landscape in the global context, and discussing the necessary policy reforms for Bangladesh and the platforms operating in Bangladesh.
Project timeline: May 2, 2023
Partners:
- Fairwork Bangladesh Research project
- DataSense
Project objective:
To introduce the principles of Fairwork and create a collaborative environment for discussing best labor practices and policy interventions in Bangladesh’s platform economy.
Project outcome:
- Enhanced understanding of Fairwork principles among stakeholders.
- Identification of best labor practices in the platform economy.
- Exploration of potential policy interventions.
- Development of a collaborative network for improving labor conditions in the platform economy.
Locations the project served: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Impact:
- Improved Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Directly inform the development of more effective and equitable policies and regulations for the platform economy in Bangladesh by bringing together key stakeholders in shaping the legal frameworks that address the unique challenges and opportunities of this sector.
- Enhanced Labor Practices: Promote the adoption of better labor practices within platform businesses. This includes advocating for fair pay, decent work conditions, fair contracts, and ensuring workers’ rights to representation and collective bargaining.
- Increased Awareness and Understanding: Raise awareness among stakeholders (including platforms, workers, regulators, and policymakers) about the principles of Fairwork and the importance of ethical labor practices in the platform economy.
- Empowerment of Platform Workers: By addressing issues like misclassification, lack of contracts, and absence of formal representation, the project and the roundtable contribute to the empowerment of platform workers and advocate for their rights.
- Sustainable Growth of the Platform Economy: Ultimately, the intended impact is to foster a more sustainable and equitable platform economy in Bangladesh, balancing innovation and economic growth with the protection and well-being of workers. The event recognizes the platform economy’s growth and aims to guide it towards a path that benefits all stakeholders.
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