Empirical Results from a Survay of Digital Platform Workers in Moldova
摘要
This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of digital platform work in the Republic of Moldova, based on a comprehensive national survey conducted between June and August 2024. The study examines the demographic composition, educational attainment, occupational diversity, and geographic distribution of platform workers, while also assessing their motivations, working conditions, and perceived vulnerabilities in the emerging platform economy. Using a mixed-methods approach with CATI and CAWI instruments, the survey collected responses from 846 individuals in urban and rural regions. The findings reveal a complex interplay between flexibility, autonomy, and income supplementation, juxtaposed with widespread informality, lack of legal protection, and precarious working conditions. Particular attention is paid to gender and age disparities, the role of platform work as a primary and supplementary source of income, and the implications for social justice and labor market inclusion. Comparative references to global literature contextualize Moldova’s position within broader platform work dynamics, highlighting both convergences and local specificities. The chapter concludes with policy-oriented reflections on the regulation of platform-mediated work, highlighting the urgent need to reconcile digital innovation with fair labor standards and comprehensive social protection frameworks.