Organising fragmented labour: the case of migrant cleaning workers at Helpling in Berlin
Stefania Animento * , Valentin Niebler  1@  
1 : Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin = Humboldt University of Berlin = Université Humboldt de Berlin  -  Website
* : Corresponding author

Research on collective organisation of migrant platform workers is mostly concerned with ride-hailing and delivery logistics, where explicit forms of collective action have been visible. Our presentation addresses the issue of the self-organisation of migrant workers on cleaning platforms through a case study of Helpling workers in Berlin. In the paper, we ask why the attempts for organising workers have failed to scale up beyond the informal exchange of information and tactics among the workers. Our article argues that the spatial dispersion of work across the city, lack of occupational identity, and the legal framework of work, make worker organising difficult for cleaners in Berlin. Still, these factors do not lead to an absence of collective practices. Helpling workers in our study gather in online groups, can receive help and exchange in a community centre, and have been in touch with political groups. Based on the case study, the article discusses potentials and hurdles for the development of collective counter-power.


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