Gig work in Mexico city: Empowerment or exploitation?

The streets of Mexico City are bustling with gig workers, a rapidly expanding industry that is primarily composed of women looking for flexible work arrangements. For many women, apps like Uber, Didi, and Rappi have become essential lifelines that enable them to make a living while juggling the demanding burden of caregiving duties. But this so-called “freedom” has a much harsher reality than it seems. Is the gig economy putting women at even greater risk, or is it actually liberating them?

Freedom, but at What Price?

Gig labour offers a desirable degree of flexibility to many women in Mexico City. An alternative to typical, set work hours is the freedom to choose when and where to work. Additionally, it provides a possible increase in income for women who are presently doing the bulk of unpaid caregiving at home.

But even with this freedom, there are serious risks associated with the job. Women in the gig economy face numerous risks on a daily basis, including violent crime, traffic accidents, and a pervasive culture of gender-based abuse. Gig workers are especially susceptible, as over 19 women are assaulted in the city every day.

Gender-Based Violence: The Negative Aspect of Gig Work

Mexico City is well known for being among the world’s most hazardous cities for women. In the city, about half of all women had been victims of violence. Additionally, although the gig economy based on apps provides jobs, it also exposes women to the same harsh realities.

Female delivery workers have reported that these apps’ emergency capabilities frequently malfunction when users are in a crisis. These labourers are frequently left to fend for themselves, facing physical attack and intimidation during deliveries. In order to survive and share resources and assistance when confronted with systemic abuse, many of them turn to forming their own networks.

Women Take Collective Action to Promote Safety

Female gig workers have united in reaction to the risks, forming support groups and unions through the power of collective action. The National Union of App Workers, which promotes improved working conditions and legal safeguards, has become a powerful force for change. The creation of “Puntos Naranja”—safe areas where employees can refuel, connect to Wi-Fi, and look for help in emergency situations.

These safe havens, which are frequently located in neighbourhood eateries, have become into essential gathering places for solidarity as well as pragmatic reasons. Women in the gig economy provide a vital lifeline to one another in times of distress by exchanging resources, advice, and cautions via WhatsApp groups and other networks.

Is the Upcoming Legal Reform Sufficient?

Mexican labour organisations and unions are finally gaining traction with lawmakers after years of lobbying. Essential labour rights for gig workers, including as access to public healthcare and auto insurance, are the focus of a proposed measure. Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, has stated her support for measures that would increase transparency in the operations of gig labour platforms and incorporate gig workers into the country’s social security system.

These modifications are far from ideal, though. Female gig workers contend that the planned adjustments are insufficient, especially for those working in delivery tasks. The unions are calling for algorithmic improvements that guarantee women’s safety at work, equal pay, and improved protection against gender-based violence. For instance, they are advocating for the removal of biases in the applications that harm women by preferentially rewarding men who can work longer hours.

The Battle for Equity: A Prolonged Journey Ahead

Women in Mexico City’s gig economy are still fighting for equal rights, higher wages, and safer working conditions while the Mexican government and gig businesses discuss labour rights. Despite its claims of flexibility, the gig economy nevertheless has drawbacks. Will reforms be enough to truly protect these workers, or is a more fundamental change needed?

Mexico City women are standing their ground and demanding better. Will they be heard by the system at last?