Introduction

Abstract

Platforms are a novel organisational form in the modern global economy. This introduction highlights the book’s focus on one actor in particular: the platform worker, whether Deliveroo riders or online workers, whether on the streets of London or across the world. It starts with a critical analysis of the organisation of platforms and platform work yet also draws attention to moments of solidarity in the struggle against platform capitalism and to the new ways that workers are finding to resist and organise. The aim is to try and better understand the struggles of workers against platforms. The introduction concludes with an outline of the book’s purpose and structure, chapter by chapter.