Thai app-based riders displayed varied responses to the ‘Global Switch Off’ campaign on May 15, which called for a one-hour shutdown of digital platforms to push for enhanced labor protections.
Gig Economy Challenges in Thailand
Gig workers, including food delivery riders and ride-hailing drivers, often operate as independent contractors or ‘partners’ rather than employees. This classification fuels disputes over labor rights, such as fair pay, social security, and accident compensation.
Labor unions have long advocated for improvements through strikes and service disruptions, demanding transparent algorithms, fair ratings, reasonable suspensions, medical aid, and equitable incentives.
Global Switch Off Campaign Details
The initiative united participants from 13 countries, including Colombia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Indonesia, Cambodia, South Africa, Panama, and Thailand. Organizers targeted delegates at the International Labour Organization’s annual meeting to back a proposed Convention on Platform Work.
Core elements of the convention encompass fundamental labor rights, work safety standards, defined hours, protections from harassment, fair pay systems, social security access, transparent data practices, limits on deductions, privacy safeguards, and dispute resolution processes.
Thailand’s Response
The Freedom Rider Union urged ride-hailing and delivery riders via its Facebook page on May 14 to join the shutdown from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on May 15.
Reactions split among workers: some pledged participation, others doubted the one-hour action’s effectiveness against platforms, and a few planned to stay online to capitalize on less competition and higher demand.
No confirmed data yet tracks participation levels or service disruptions in Thailand.
