Digital transport platforms: the consequences of virtual workspaces on the health of VTC drivers

The profession of VTC (transport cars with drivers) has undergone profound mutations since the arrival of digital transport platforms. These virtual workspaces are often defined as intermediaries allowing a direct and instant connection between drivers and customers. The organization of this bond is done by algorithms programmed and designed according to the owners of these platforms. However, the semi-structured life story interviews conducted with the VTC drivers of the platforms show that these spaces go beyond the role of intermediary because they are responsible for structuring the entire profession of these drivers. That is to say that the remuneration, the rating, the calculation of the turnover, the fixing of the tariffs, the commission, the evaluation, etc. of the VTC are decided by these platforms without negotiation of the part of the drivers. At this stage, the virtual nature of these spaces allows homogeneous and standardized organization and processing of the interactions between VTC and platforms which excludes all human communication. This situation generates concrete consequences for the VTC, including those of a physical and psychological nature linked to the health of this population.