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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 · 21h
We were proud to partner with @iwgbunion.bsky.social, @workersupportc.bsky.social, Cat's Cradle and SAFAR in producing these resources. Download for free on our website: workersobservatory.org/resources/gu...
workersobservatory.org
Organising Guidebooks
Guidebooks for organising the gig economy and other challenging environments.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 21h
"Start with a Slogan" presents ideas on making the most of the first workers' meeting, showing facilitators how to move quickly through sharing problems to taking initiatives that reflect and capture the energy of the group. workersobservatory.org/resources/gu...
workersobservatory.org
Start with a Slogan
Guide on making the most of the first workers' meeting.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 21h
"Mapping for Organising in Platform Work" outlines how collaborative mapping can be a useful tool to identify shared problems, strategise on a local level, and publicise workplace issues. workersobservatory.org/resources/gu...
workersobservatory.org
Mapping for Organising in Platform Work
A guide to making worker-generated maps.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 21h
"Building Groups on Tricky Ground" can help organisers establish a group among workers in a precarious position (such as dispersed or seasonal migrant workers), as a first step towards building collective power. workersobservatory.org/resources/gu...
workersobservatory.org
Building Groups on Tricky Ground
Guidebook on helping people in precarious circumstances act together, where traditional organising methods fall short.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 21h
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
The Charter was developed via workshops facilitated by the Workers’ Observatory. Read more: workersobservatory.org/news/fw-char...
workersobservatory.org
Delivery riders unveil a Fair Work Charter
The Charter follows the principles in Scotland's Fair Work Framework and highlights the distinct needs and challenges for workers in the platform economy.
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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 · 11/09/2026
📷 If you are looking for a weekend plan in Edinburgh, go check out the exhibition "Sandra George: Start from the Level" to see a portrait of real community power. edinburghartfestival.com/event/sandra...
edinburghartfestival.com
Sandra George: Start from the Level - Edinburgh Art Festival
Photographer Sandra George devoted her life to working with communities, documenting and developing vital social-action projects in Edinburgh for over thirty years. The legacy she has left is a first-...
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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
A key issue affecting delivery riders both in the UK and around the world. "The Dutch Data Protection Authority has fined Uber, opens new tab €825 million ($966 ‌million) for deactivating driver accounts through automated systems without adequately informing them" www.reuters.com/world/dutch-...
reuters.com
EXCLUSIVE: Dutch regulator fines Uber $966 million for automating driver suspensions
The Dutch Data Protection Authority has fined Uber €825 million ($966 ‌million) for deactivating driver accounts through automated systems without adequately informing them, according to an August 17 ...
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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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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Great to see @workersobservatory.org in @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Food delivery riders call on platforms to open up AI ‘black box’ they say has cut pay
Workers who blame algorithms for lowering their earnings are getting help from academics to find out how the system works
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 05/09/2026
✍ Riders from the collective ROOM, along with organising lead, @xabivillares.bsky.social , and director, Cailean Gallagher, explain the terrible situation workers are suffering, with fees falling for years while algorithmic management remains as opaque as ever. 🗞️ www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Food delivery riders call on platforms to open up AI ‘black box’ they say has cut pay
Workers who blame algorithms for lowering their earnings are getting help from academics to find out how the system works
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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 · 01/09/2026
🧺 Agricultural workers across Scotland deserve decent houses to live in. We are proud to join our colleagues at the @workersupportc.bsky.social in calling for a plan from the Scottish Government. 📑 workersupportcentre.org.uk/2026/09/01/c...
workersupportcentre.org.uk
Calling on the Scottish Government to include farm worker housing standards in its Programme for Government – Worker Support Centre
A coalition of charities and trade unions are calling on the Scottish Government to deliver on its commitment to introduce national housing standards for people living on farms across Scotland.
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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 · 26/08/2026
🚴‍♂️Yesterday, an Edinburgh Council committee took a first step towards a hub for gig workers in Edinburgh, after an intervention by the Workers' Observatory. ➡️ Read more here: workersobservatory.org/news/edinbur... @bkarb.bsky.social
workersobservatory.org
Council takes first step towards a gig worker hub
Edinburgh Council committee proposes a feasibility study into a hub serving transport workers in the gig economy.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 25/08/2026
Today, an Edinburgh Council committee took a first step towards a hub for gig workers in Edinburgh, after an intervention by the Workers' Observatory. Read more on our blog ⬇️ workersobservatory.org/news/edinbur...
workersobservatory.org
Council takes first step towards a gig worker hub
Edinburgh Council committee proposes a feasibility study into a hub serving transport workers in the gig economy.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 14/08/2026
It´s great to see Muhammad talking openly about these horrible incidents. He speaks for many other workers who have to face similar situations every day and are too afraid of the consequences for their visa status or employment to report. www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottis...
dailyrecord.co.uk
Delivery driver attacked during far-right protest urges others to speak out
Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob spoke out as union chiefs said members across Scotland are experiencing a terrifying surge in racist violence and threats.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 13/08/2026
Amazon, like many other platforms, has made a strategy out of outsourcing responsibilities to workers by subcontracting. NYC tries to address this imbalance through the Delivery Protection Act. www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Do...
youtube.com
It's time Amazon played by the same rules as everyone else
YouTube video by NYC Mayor's Office
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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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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
This is really amazing:
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 11/08/2026
🇦🇺 More can be done when we talk about minimum standards for workers in the gig economy, and this week Australia is showing how: www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Delivery drivers to be paid minimum $31.30 an hour across Australia in ‘world-leading’ decision
Fair Work Commission issues a new minimum standards order for gig workers to come into effect 17 August
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Marktropolis @marktropolis.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Good 'zine here. Scotland/UK oriented, but applies internationally.
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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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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Absolutely delighted that @tomhumberstone.com worked with @workersobservatory.org here. Please do read and share his work-- he's super talented and lovely to work with on a project.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 04/08/2026
A very well informed comic that helps to spread the word about a harsh reality, keeping an eye on the complexities of the platform economy, and showing a big picture that not everyone is aware of. 🙌 Have a look at his work here (and please consider supporting it): tomhumberstone.com/just-work
tomhumberstone.com
Just Work | Tom Humberstone
Just Work
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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 · 28/07/2026
Following the terrible events that took place last Saturday, which included racist, abusive behaviour against a delivery rider, Glasgow AF is raising money to support the victims. chuffed.org/project/1923...
chuffed.org
Support Glasgow victims of racist violence during far-right rally
Delivery rider, Muhammad, was working in the Tradeston area on Saturday 25th July when a group from the anti-immigration Unite the Clans rally at Glasgow Green started shouting racist abuse at him.
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The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
A Glasgow man has broken cover after a video of him being attacked with a traffic cone at a far-right protest went viral 📽️
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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Really delighted that @workersobservatory.org was added to this Case Book. Many thanks to @suoman.bsky.social for her support.
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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
😍 Best ones: 1. Bibimbap 2. Matto Pizza 3. Pablo Eggsgobao 4. UMI Japanese food 5. Happy Bean Cafe
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 13/07/2026
😡 Worst ones: 1. Treatz 2. Fountain Park Fry 3. ASDA Leith 4. Cheeky Chicken 5. Sainsbury´s
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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 · 01/07/2026
About the heatwave we have been through over the last week. Great piece at Brave New Europe. eomail5.com/web-version?...
eomail5.com
What the heatwave tells us about 'bogus employment'
GEP Newsletter
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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
We usually don't think about on-demand delivery and heat in the UK, but these are unworkable temperatures, particularly without a place to rest, hydrate, wearing heavy gear. The @workersobservatory.org would like to build such a space, but in the meantime riders must use city space to take a break.
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 23/06/2026
Don't miss this incredible work coordinated by @hrw.org ! www.hrw.org/feature/2026...
hrw.org
Algorithms of Exploitation
The multimedia report, “Algorithms of Exploitation: Rights Abuses in the Gig Economy and the Global Fight for Change,” documents the experiences of platform workers across nine countries, including In...
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The Workers' Observatory @workersobservatory.org · 23/06/2026
🙌🏾 Thanks @katenevens.bsky.social for mentioning us and delivery riders during today's session at the Scottish Parliament!
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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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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
So, the reality of this is finally settling in: The @workersobservatory.org has been funded for ten years (!) by the Regenerative Futures Fund. This is a game-changer for us and for the city.
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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
The @workersobservatory.org is happy to sign this joint statement calling for stronger protections in the proposed ILO Convention + Recommendation: privacyinternational.org/advocacy/569...
privacyinternational.org
The ILO Convention on decent work in the platform economy
Background and summaryOn 3 July 2025, the General Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) agreed
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Karen Gregory @karengregory.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Very pleased @workersobservatory.org has joined these organisations telling the ILO to seize their groundbreaking opportunity next week to protect workers rights by adopting a new convention on decent work in the platform economy: pvcy.org/ILCletter
pvcy.org
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