Algorithmic wage discrimination: Not just for gig workers

Algorithmic wage discrimination is a growing concern affecting not only gig workers but also employees in various industries. The use of opaque algorithms to determine pay has left workers uncertain about their wages, with platforms like Shipt implementing systems that decrease pay without transparency. This practice extends beyond gig work to industries like home health care, transportation, and logistics. Workers from companies like Instacart and Uber-owned Postmates have expressed concerns, highlighting the need for algorithmic transparency and fair pay standards. Despite efforts to address the issue through legislation, challenges persist due to the lack of transparency in gig marketplaces. Researchers emphasize the importance of empowering workers to collect their own data to inform policymakers and advocate for fair compensation practices. Legislative efforts, such as Senator Markey's inquiries into gig worker pay, aim to shed light on the issue and push for better regulation in the evolving landscape of digital labor.