The End of the Subordinate Worker? Collaborative Economy, On-Demand Economy, Gig Economy, and the Crowdworkers' Need for Protection

The digital era has changed industrial relations dramatically, giving rise to considerable legal uncertainty about the rules that apply in cyberspace. Technology is transforming business organization in a way that makes the employee as a salaried worker less necessary. A new type of company in the 'on demand economy' or 'sharing economy' connecting customers directly with individual service providers is emerging. These companies base their core business entirely on workers classified as selfemployed workers. In this connection, employment law is facing its greatest challenge, dealing with a very different reality compared to the one that existed when it came into being. However, workers still need protection, and this article examines the reasons for this claim.