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The Workers' Observatory

@workersobservatory.org
272 followers 152 following 96 posts

We are a collective of platform workers and researchers challenging conditions in self-employed and gig work. 🗺️ Edinburgh, Scotland

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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 29/09/2026
Earlier this month, we released three new organising guidebooks in collaboration with partners in Scotland, UK, and India. They give real-world examples of techniques for organising workers and communities where traditional methods often fall short, such as seasonal and platform workers.
Three A5 booklets on a table: "Start with a Slogan", "Mapping for Organising in Platform Work", and "Building Groups on Tricky Ground".
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 29/09/2026
🚲 Calling all Edinburgh delivery riders to the next monthly gathering of the Edinburgh delivery riders collective ROOM! 📆 Wed 30 Sep ⏰ 2.00-4.00 pm 📍Southside Community Centre 117 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9ER 🌯 Lunch & Refreshments 🔋 Charge your e-bike batteries! 📩 Questions? Drop a message
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 22/09/2026
Edinburgh Riders unveil a Fair Work Charter The Charter outlines what Fair Work would look like for platform-based delivery riders, whose self-employed status means they miss out on basic workers’ rights such as minimum wage, sick and holiday pay.
ROOM Riders Movement Edinburgh
Edinburgh Riders' Fair Work Charter
The Workers' Observatory
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 17/09/2026
We had a very productive session attending "Making Edinburgh a safe city for gig workers", where workers, researchers, and city planners came together to agree on the key issues to address on Edinburgh's streets. @karengregory.bsky.social @bkarb.bsky.social @xabivillares.bsky.social
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 10/09/2026
🚴🏾‍♂️ Have a look at the best and worst-rated restaurants and supermarkets to work with in Edinburgh during the Fringe season! 👎🏾 👍🏾 Voted by some people who know them very well: your delivery riders! 🗳️ ❓ Would you order from a place that doesn't treat their workers well?
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 08/09/2026
Find our organising lead @xabivillares.bsky.social at the EP VISA Launch Festival, organised by Makongo! 📆 Sun 13 Sep ⏰5 pm-11 pm 📍McNeill´s Bar (G42 8PH)- Glasgow (G42 8PH) 🎟️https://www.makongo.com/event-details/ep-visa-launch-festival
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 03/09/2026
📚After many months of hard work, we had a fantastic experience last weekend presenting a set of three guides at the New Organising Conference. Available on our website very soon. 🙌 Massive thanks to NOC and the research project “Consolidating Scotlands´ Gig Worker Voice” for funding this work!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 28/08/2026
🚨 About the ongoing racist incidents - and what can be done 📑 workersobservatory.org/news/racist-...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 27/08/2026
🗞️ We joined other great organisations in Inverclyde this week to discuss how to make sure those without employment rights or secure migration status have justice. We're looking forward to more collaboration in the coming months.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 12/08/2026
🚲 Calling all Edinburgh delivery riders to the next monthly gathering of ROOM! 📆 Wed 19 August ⏰ 2.00 pm-4.00 pm 📍Old College (Teaching Room 2) South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL ☕️ Lunch & Refreshments 🔋 Charge your e-bike batteries!! 📩 Any questions? Send us a message!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 10/08/2026
Thanks ELSA for inviting The Workers Observatory, and congratulations to Laura and @kenloach16films.bsky.social for such a great piece. We need more films like this! #edinburghevents #onfalling
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 10/08/2026
Our policy and operations lead Boyan was invited to the screening two weeks ago to discuss the reality of platform and gig work in Scotland, joined by film director @lauracarreira.bsky.social and Gordon Maloney of Living Rent.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 10/08/2026
🎥 "On Falling" depicts the life of an Edinburgh-based migrant worker in the algorithm-driven gig economy.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 04/08/2026
"Just Work: The Gig Economy, Platform Capitalism and the Battle for Worker Rights" manages to capture the situation of workers across Scotland and beyond in a way that everybody can appreciate and understand.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 04/08/2026
📲 We are fascinated by the incredible work done by artist @tomhumberstone.com!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 22/07/2026
🚲 Calling all Edinburgh delivery riders to the next monthly gathering of ROOM! 📆 Thu 23 July ⏰ 2.00 pm-4.00 pm 📍Old College (Teaching Room 2) South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL ☕️ Refreshments 🔋 Charge your e-bike batteries!! 📩 Any questions? Send us a message!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 13/07/2026
🚴🏾‍♂️ Once again, here are the best and worst-rated restaurants and supermarkets to work with in Edinburgh. 👎🏾 👍🏾 Have a look at June 2026 list, voted by some people who know them very well: your delivery riders! #gigwork #deliverywork #gigeconomy
ROOM delivery riders vote the worst and best restaurants to work with in Edinburgh. June 2026. Poll voted through ROOM's chat groupTop Worst Restarants
1. Treatz. Why? Staff are not nice to riders. Cars always blocking the entry.
2. Fountain Park Fry. Why? Rude/aggressive behaviour from staff.
3. Asda Leith. Why? No hardware to split bulky orders into two couriers. Long waiting time and very stressed staff!Top Best Restaurants
1. Bibimbap Edinburgh. Why? Very nice staff and great service for riders.
2. Matto Pizza. Why? Quick service for riders.
3. Pablo Eggsgobao. Why? Friendly, chatty staff, offering water and keeping orders warm."ROOM" Riders Movement Edinburgh. We're Stronger Together. Are you a delivery rider in Edinburgh? Join our chat group!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 02/07/2026
Still thrilled to see how Edinburgh responded last Saturday to the attacks that took place in our streets. We´re also very proud of Krishh, a delivery rider from riders´ collective ROOM, who used his speech to bravely share his own story, speaking for thousands of workers in the city!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 23/06/2026
📃 Following the recent incidents on our streets, Edinburgh delivery riders' collective ROOM have drafted the following statement, which The Workers' Observatory fully endorse. Are you a rider worried about the situation? 📧 Send us a message: info@workersobservatory.org #gigwork #platformwork
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 12/06/2026
🚲 Calling all Edinburgh delivery riders! 📆 Wed 13 May ⏰ 2.00 -4.00 pm 📍Old College (G. 158- Quad Teaching Room ) South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL ☕️ Refreshments 🔋 Charge your e-bike batteries!! 📩 Any questions? Send us a message! #edinburghriders #gigwork #deliveroo #justeat #ubereats
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 20/05/2026
📲 "Algorithms of Exploitation" We are delighted to have supported Human Rights Watch and Lena Simet, Ph.D. to produce this engaging and timely report. Special thanks to our collaborators from ROOM, including founding member Tejas Avhad and Graeme. 📓 Full report here: www.hrw.org/feature/2026...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 06/05/2026
🗳️ Tomorrow Thursday, is the big day! Do you want to know what plans the political parties have for the future of gig work? 📜 Have a look at our Holyrood 2026: Party Manifesto Analysis! workersobservatory.org/manifesto-an...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 05/05/2026
📢 Final episode of Gig Workers' Guide to the Scottish Election is out 📱 There isn’t really one gig economy, but multiple ones. 🎙️Hosted by @bkarb.bsky.social , we interview sociologist @karengregory.bsky.social and Sam, a delivery rider based in Edinburgh 🎧 Available here: shorturl.at/TFANC
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 04/05/2026
🎙️ Thanks @bellacaledonia.bsky.social for featuring our podcast series " Gig Workers' Guide to the Scottish Election". Our final episode will be out tomorrow! 📜 bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/04/21/a...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 01/05/2026
📢 Fourth episode of Gig Workers' Guide to the Scottish Election 📢 📱 Platform companies usually provide no accreditation or certification of skills for workers. 🎙️In this episode, hosted by @xabivillares.bsky.social , we´ll have Tejas Avhad and Sachin Yadav. 🎧 Available here shorturl.at/jlmrR
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 30/04/2026
📱 Gig and platform work have been largely absent from Scotland's Fair Work Agenda. 🗳️ What do party manifestos for #holyrood2026 say about Gig and Platform Work? We have taken a deep look and we are bringing it to you all. ✍ Read our analysis, by @bkarb.bsky.social, here: shorturl.at/9F3MG
The Workers' Observatory Manifesto Analysis Holyrood 2026
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 29/04/2026
📢 Third episode of Gig Workers' Guide to the Scottish Election is out 📢 🎙️Hosted by Boyan Karabaliev, we´ll have Ian Maxwell, a long-time member of @spokes.org.uk and Kyle Paterson, a founder of local cooperative CADi Couriers. 🎧 Available on all platforms workersobservatory.org/news/new-pod...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 23/04/2026
🍜 Are you thinking about ordering food this weekend? 😊 👎🏾 Have a look at the list of worst and best valued restaurants by people who know them very well: your delivery riders! #gigwork #deliverywork #gigeconomy
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 18/04/2026
Thanks @spokes.org.uk, for mentioning our work in your most recent bulletin! 💪 🗞️ Read the whole issue here: www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 17/04/2026
📢 Today is the day! 🏛️ Listen to the first episode of our first podcast series. 🎙️ Hosted by @xabivillares.bsky.social , and joined by guests Craigmillar-based activist Moi Sum (Cindy), and Krish, an experienced delivery rider working across Edinburgh. 🎧 Available on all platforms: lnkd.in/enx5SBDn
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 15/04/2026
📢 Wee have a big announcement! 🎙️ This Friday, we are launching the first episode of "Gig Workers’ Guide to the Scottish Election", a podcast series where we´ll explore five key demands to improve working conditions in Scotland´s gig economy: 📜 Our manifesto workersobservatory.org/holyrood-2026/
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 13/04/2026
🚲 Calling all Edinburgh riders to our next monthly gathering! 📆 Wed 15 April ⏰ 2.00 pm-4.00 pm 📍Chrystal Macmillan Building, (Seminar Room 1) 15a George Square Edinburgh EH8 9LD. ☕️ Refreshments 🔋 Charge your e-bike batteries!! 📩 If you have any questions, send me a message!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 07/04/2026
The Fair Work Agency, launching today, has the potential to reshape labour market enforcement – but only if it’s built on the right foundations. We are calling for these three priorities to make sure it works for all workers: 📜 Read the briefing: www.trustforlondon.org.uk/fwa-briefing
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 26/03/2026
💡 Last Saturday, @karengregory.bsky.social and Marion Lieutaud joined Elena Papagiannaki for a stimulating panel at @scoteconfest.bsky.social Thanks to the Scottish Left Review and @caileangallagher.bsky.social for chairing, and congratulations to the Festival for such a successful event!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 17/03/2026
🚲 Are you a delivery rider in Edinburgh? Come tomorrow Wednesday to our ROOM´s monthly gathering: 📆 Wed 18 March ⏰ 2.00 pm-4.00 pm 📍Chrystal Macmillan Building, Violet Laidlaw Room 6.02 15a George Square Edinburgh EH8 9LD ☕️ Refreshments 🔋 Charge your e-bike batteries! 📩 info@workersobservatory.org
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 16/03/2026
🤖 Our teammates @karengregory.bsky.social and Marion Lieutaud will join Elena Papagiannaki from Napier University at Scotland's Economics Festival in this event chaired by @caileangallagher.bsky.social Gallagher. 🎫 Get your tickets here: www.tickettailor.com/.../scotland...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 09/03/2026
🗾 Are you a rider and want to collaborate with our map? Send us a message! 👉🏾 Read more about the map here: workersobservatory.org/news/deliver...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 09/03/2026
⚠️ In Autumn 2025, multiple incidents took place in Edinburgh that involved food delivery riders being attacked while on the job, bike theft and other issues 🚴 The Workers’ Observatory supported a group of Edinburgh riders in surfacing the severity and the location of the risks they face on the job.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 05/03/2026
🔈 This week, our director @caileangallagher.bsky.social joined the panel at @scga.bsky.social State of the World: Emerging & Disruptive Technologies. "The challenge is to make the degeneration of work by AI-driven platforms only a temporary disruption of workers' power and rights."
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 03/03/2026
🔈 Last Saturday, Xabier I. Villares went to Wester Hailes to participate in "How can Work Work for Us?" organised by Community Wellbeing Collectives. Thanks for having us!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 24/02/2026
This Saturday from 12.00 pm, we'll join "How can Work Work for Us?", organised by the great Community Wellbeing Collective in Wester Hailes, with a few other incredibly hardworking organisations. Everybody is welcome!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 19/02/2026
🚲 ROOM has a message for you! Delivery riders face all kinds of hazards every day when working in the streets. ⚠️ Respecting bike lanes is vital to have safer roads for all! #deliveryriders #gigeconomy #gigwork #edinburgh
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 10/02/2026
🚲 Are you a delivery rider in Edinburgh? Come to the next ROOM´s monthly gathering! 📩 Any questions? Just drop a message: info@workersobservatory.org
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 10/02/2026
Our secretary Xabier Villares spoke at Scotland's Annual Human Rights Conference 2026 on behalf of @migrantsjusticedin.bsky.social , about the long/term project that we are working on. Thanks @hrcscotland.bsky.social , for inviting us, and for your constant call to action!
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 31/01/2026
🎯 Getting Gig Work on Scotland's Political Agenda Food delivery workers joined the Workers' Observatory workshop this week to build political momentum towards fair and safe gig work in Scotland. You can read the workers' principles and policy demands here: workersobservatory.org/documents/WO...
Edinburgh City Councillors meet food delivery workers in Workers' Observatory workshop
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 21/11/2025
Yes, we have been a bit missing over here for the last two months! We´ve been busy connecting with workers and migrant communities in Craigmillar and Niddrie, and we want to share with you more about this journey. ✒️Full article here: workersobservatory.org/building-the... #Craigmillar #gigwork
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 29/09/2025
"We deserver fair work" workshop for on-demand delivery riders in Edinburgh. Oct 2nd 10-5pm. Registration required.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 12/08/2025
Edinburgh Riders Monthly Gathering Thursday Aug 14 2-4pm 40 George S.
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