Open Evidence participated in the 5th Employment Policy Research Symposium organised by the International Labour Organisation in partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, which took place in Geneva on 11-12 May 2023. This year, the Symposium highlighted the latest thinking on how integrated employment policy development can promote inclusive transitions, advance social justice and a better future of work. The Symposium provided a platform for discussions among economists, specialists, policymakers, and social partners on existing research that can feed into employment policy development for social justice.
In particular, on 11 May, during the session “The impact of platformisation and algorithmic management on traditional sectors”, Open Evidence presented the main findings of the case studies on Amazon and Poste Italiane on the impacts of digitalisation and algorithms on work organisation in the logistics sector in Italy. As part of the study, between January and February 2023, Open Evidence has visited the Amazon fulfillment centre in Cividate al Piano – where the cutting-edge Amazon Robotics technology is employed – and Poste Italiane distribution centre of Cento – selected as pilot case for the application of an innovative algorithmic tool of dynamic routing used to optimise the planning of postmen’s itineraries for the delivery of mails and parcels.
During the field visits, the Open Evidence team had the chance to see first-hand the functioning of the several processes taking place in the establishments and interview managers, technology specialists and operators to comprehend the advantages and repercussions of the respective technologies on their work processes and working conditions.
On both occasions the team also discussed about future opportunities and challenges related to the increasing use of digital tools and algorithmic management software in the sector.
The main findings of the Symposium will be summarised in a report which will published by the ILO, while the specific reports on the main results of the case studies will be published by the JRC in autumn 2023.
A recording of the main sessions of the Symposium is available at https://live.ilo.org/events/5th-employment-policy-research-symposium-employment-policies-social-justice-2023-05.