Digital platforms as boosters of the secondary labour market? Polish perspectives on couriers and drivers

Purpose: The aim of this article is to investigate perceptions of the income earned by couriers and drivers operating through digital labor platforms (DLPs), as well as to assess the future prospects for the development of this segment of the labor market. Design/methodology/approach: A critical review of literature and a diagnostic survey method. Findings: The digital platform segment exhibits features of a secondary labor market while Polish society largely remains unaware of this fact and uninterested in paying higher fees for courier and driver services. Growth of this segment is anticipated. Research limitations/implications: The typical imperfections of direct research. Moreover, conducting the internet-based survey narrows the sample of respondents to digitally included people only. Future research could investigate perspectives on the circumstances of online platform workers. This approach, however, is contingent on the development of platform work and the recognition of this phenomenon. Social implications: Providing an insight into the general working practices of couriers and drivers providing services via the app. Originality/value: The topic is relatively new, especially in the Polish public's awareness. The article as the first publication brings a presentation of Poles’ opinions on platform work with focus on couriers and drivers incomes.