| During the pandemic, cooperative gig economy companies (platform co-ops) were able to thrive because they benefit both workers and businesses. Consegne Etiche is a platform co-op that delivers food and other items in Bologna, Italy. Workers are also the company’s owners and earn 9 euros/hour after taxes, compared to the standard 5.5 euros/hour earned by workers for other delivery apps such as Deliveroo and UberEats. Cities have the option to intervene and improve the working conditions of gig workers, who are routinely underpaid and exploited, by assisting in the establishment of platform co-ops. Cities can provide co-ops with money, tax incentives, and legislation to help them compete with private enterprises. Through the Platform Cooperative Consortium, a partnership of universities and co-op organizations, the concept of platform co-ops has spread. |