Labour markets in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are undergoing rapid transformation, accelerated by technological change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote work, digital labour platforms, and other nonstandard forms of employment have expanded quickly, reshaping how work is organized and performed.

While these new forms of employment can boost resilience by adapting swiftly to shocks, they also raise concerns about inequality and the lack of social protection. Gig work—whether online or location-based—offers opportunities for groups traditionally excluded from formal labour markets, such as young people, women, and migrants. Yet, without proper safeguards, it risks perpetuating precarious conditions and undermining progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

This study examines the rise of digital labour platforms in LAC, highlighting both opportunities and risks. By drawing on specialized surveys and platform data, it sheds light on who gig workers are, the challenges they face, and what policies are needed to ensure that the future of work in the region is inclusive, resilient, and fair.