On May 1st, 2025, the president of ASÍ mentioned various projects that the labor movement in Iceland needs to do better in. One of the projects mentioned was to tackle the increase in contractors in the labor market, and as such the president of ASÍ mentioned the “gig-economy [which] is an attack of capitalism on a civilized society”, and furthermore described it as an “anti-human ideology.”
The writer of this article has great respect for the work ASÍ has done for the labor movement, and has for years supported ASÍ in their actions against employers who have abused the working class for their own profit and advancement. But this is something that cannot be ignored.
Are there employers who have unjustly demanded that individuals work as ‘contractors, “pseudo-contractors” in order to save on pay-related charges? Absolutely! But the gig-economy was created by individuals who prefer gig-work over permanent employment, not by employers. There’s a big difference there.
Did the gig economy arise because of greed and employers’ subversive policies? Yes, definitely! But not because the demand came from the employers, but because the need arose from the individuals!
When it comes to abuse by employers against employees, the writer of this article will be the first to grab a pitchfork and a torch and demand improvements, but experience has also shown that demanding improvements for the wrong reasons is just as useful as screaming into the void.
Yes, the gig-economy began because of difficulties arising from the employers, and yes, one of those difficulties is that employers are greedy. But No, the employers’ greed is not the main origin and driving force behind the gig-economy, but rather we have individuals who are seeking more gig-work to avoid all the plethora of issues that comes with working for an employer.
With all due respect to ASÍ and its president, the writer of this article hopes that ASÍ will take action and familiarize itself with the true issue of why the gig-economy is on the rise. and rather than criticizing the gig-economy, go up against the reason why the gig-economy was created.
The writer of this article wholeheartedly supports the fight against corporate greed, but not at the expense of individuals who are simply trying to live their lives for themselves.
This opinion-article first appeared in Icelandic on visir.is 2nd of May 2025.