GFTU BGCM Minutes 2017

A

Work with organisations, companies and commissions that are

providing thinking and resource on shaping the ‘gig’ economy to ensure it is fair

for everyone.

B

Work with Government to rethink employment law, tax systems and the

welfare state to the benefit of ‘gig’ workers.

C

Encourage trade unions to modernise traditional structures and models

to ensure that members that are not based in workplaces can participate fully in

union activities.

He said: Good morning, colleagues. Conference, the world of work is

changing and it is changing fast. There is no doubt that some self-employed

and freelanced working creates more opportunity, encourages transparency,

flexibility and innovation. We should not look to inhibit that innovation or take

away from the benefits that truly self-employed workers enjoy and choose. We

should not assume that all ‘gig’ economy companies are exploitative, but we all

know that the ‘gig’ economy can and should be fairer. The ‘gig’ economy could

be a ticket back to work for those struggling to gain access to traditional

employment such as new parents or disabled workers. An ultra-flexible way of

working and a generally accessible way of gaining supplementary income

could make all the difference to a single parent or someone caring for a sick

relative. ‘Gig’ work could mean that a mother could spend the majority of her

time at home, but earn extra money to help the family at the same time. The

‘gig’ economy could give them a way to develop their own professional skills

and maintain the growth of their business while still looking after the children,

truly empowering workers to decide how and where they want to engage in the

workplace, but the system that operates in this country to support additional

employment, employment law, tax systems and the welfare state contradict the

needs of ‘gig’ workers and ‘gig’ employers.

They further exclude those who struggle to access work, work most, work for

everyone and that must be fair and decent. To achieve this, trade unions must

rethink the way that we work and some companies in the ‘gig’ company already

have. Traditional union models and structures cannot do for a ‘gig’ worker

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