Digital platforms have revolutionised Colombia’s urban landscape, becoming integral to the lives of its urban middle class, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns. These platforms offer crucial employment for diverse groups, including immigrants and those excluded from the formal economy. Their growth in Colombia, reflective of wider Latin American trends, is rooted in historical and material inequalities such as income disparity, high urban density, inadequate transport infrastructure, and increasing digital connectivity. This chapter draws on data from Fairwork Colombia (2020-2023), examining the working conditions in the gig economy across domestic work, ride-hailing, and food delivery. It identifies significant challenges, including deficits in collective negotiation, safety, due process, and low income, alongside instances of fairer work relations, particularly in domestic worker platforms.
