Platform Cooperatives Reimagine Gig Economy
Worker-owned alternatives to corporate platforms emerge.
Platform cooperatives are emerging as democratic alternatives to corporate gig platforms. These worker-owned services provide similar functionality without extractive business models.
Workers own the platforms collectively, keeping profits rather than enriching distant investors. Democratic governance allows workers to set policies and working conditions.
The model proves viable for ride-sharing, delivery, freelancing, and other platform-mediated work. Cooperative platforms compete on service quality while offering workers better deals.
Technology enables coordination at scale. Cooperative platforms use the same digital tools as corporate competitors but organize ownership and governance democratically.
Growth requires capital and market awareness. However, unions, cooperatives, and municipalities are providing support for platform cooperative development.
