When apps are gamified, workers rarely win

Carmela Fonbuena

PCIJ Executive Director

Dear editors, fellows, and friends,

We have a new report produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Network. 

PCIJ editor-at-large Karol Ilagan spoke with dozens of workers employed by transport network companies Grab, Angkas, MoveIt, and Joyride, as well as delivery platforms FoodPanda and Lalamove, to learn what it’s like to have an app as their boss. 

What are Karol’s findings? Food-delivery and ride-hailing workers in the Philippines, whose daily routines are dictated by an algorithm, struggle with uncertain pay, indebtedness, and the physical toll of chasing incentives.

Often, these gig workers must work full-time — without the benefits — to earn sufficient income.

We hope you can share our report on your newspapers, websites, and social media pages. Click the link to access the files.

When apps are gamified, workers rarely win

Gig work is full-time work in the Philippines. Food-delivery and ride-hailing workers, whose daily routine is dictated by an algorithm, struggle with uncertain pay, indebtedness, and the physical toll of chasing incentives.

Workers rely on incentives for their earnings. Riders told PCIJ there was a time when they could easily earn P800 in a day if they completed a number of rides and received good reviews from passengers. However, the schemes have changed over the years. The same number of rides now earns them less.

The chase for incentives has forced riders to take risks or make poor decisions. “Ako po sa personal, ilang beses ko po naranasan na tumatakbo po ako, minsan hindi, nakaidlip, nasa gutter na po ako,” Carlos told Karol.

“Pinipilit na bumiyahe para mahabol yung… target na incentives. Yung gems,” Rico said.

Grab told PCIJ it has always prioritized passenger safety. “… we have implemented several measures to safeguard our drivers and passengers. Our platform includes features that monitor driver activity and prompt breaks if prolonged driving hours are detected. Safety features are part of our commitment to preventing fatigue-related incidents,” Grab said in a written response to PCIJ’s questions.

Angkas and Joyride did not grant PCIJ’s requests for interviews.

Policy reforms are needed. Tech-driven services have far outpaced existing rules and regulations, and workers are often disadvantaged. 

This investigation follows Karol’s investigative report on the opaque algorithm of Grab. It showed that GrabCar rides always included surge fees, and that Grab customers still endured lengthy wait times despite these surge fees. 

We invite you to follow PCIJ’s social media accounts to read more of these reports. 

Maraming salamat!

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