Coasties, as the AI platform economy continues to grow, it’s crucial to consider how workers within this sector are treated.

The increasing reliance on algorithms to manage work and determine wages has sparked concerns about workers' rights and social security.

The issue has gained attention globally, with countries like Singapore and Sweden taking steps to ensure that platform workers are afforded some basic protections.

In Singapore, new legislation will require platforms and workers to contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), similar to KiwiSaver, while also allowing unions to negotiate on behalf of workers.

This approach acknowledges the unique nature of platform work, where individuals retain their status as independent contractors but receive employee-like benefits.

In Sweden, unions have successfully pushed for minimum working conditions for Uber drivers, including set pay rates and break times.

These moves are aimed at preventing the exploitation of workers who are often at the mercy of algorithms designed to maximise profits rather than ensure fair treatment.

New Zealand, on the other hand, still has a long way to go in addressing these challenges.

Nadia Dabee, a senior lecturer in commercial law at the University of Auckland Business School, recently highlighted the lack of data on the platform economy here.

Without a clear understanding of the size and scope of this sector, it’s difficult to implement meaningful protections for workers.

Dabee’s research has drawn attention to the need for better tax enforcement and the introduction of legislation that offers platform workers formal representation.

While some efforts are already underway at the Inland Revenue Department, much more needs to be done to ensure that workers in this growing economy are not left behind.

As the platform economy continues to expand, the question remains: will New Zealand follow the lead of other nations in ensuring that platform workers contribute their fair share to social security and receive the protections they deserve?

Only time will tell.