"Kazakhstani couriers are pushing back against the gig economy", 30 June 2021
...[D]uring a long weekend celebrating the Soviet victory in the Second World War, Wolt couriers delivering food around the city saw their pay reduced by 30-50% for each ride. After comparing notes, they realised that management had changed the remuneration policy. In response, they organised a strike – one of the largest actions by non-unionised workers in Kazakhstan in the past decade, outside of the extractive sector

...Wolt is one of several players in the food delivery market in Kazakhstan and its workers, together with other platform workers, are now pushing to form the first couriers’ union in the country.

...[T]hroughout this year and last, it’s become clear for people working at digital employers that their working conditions have often worsened as a result of the pandemic. Worsening conditions for workers in the gig economy is not specific to Kazakhstan or a consequence of the Soviet past or authoritarian present. From the UK to Ukraine and beyond, the gig economy is a global phenomenon that benefits irresponsible employers rather than workers.

...Workers hoping to find security by setting up unions also face resistance from local authorities; Kazakhstan’s officials have historically repressed trade union leaders.