The times, are they changing? Examining platform companies' chameleonic labour process as a response to the Spanish Ley Rider

This article investigates the effects of the Spanish initiative to deploy a universal presumption of employment relationship for all platform couriers (Ley Rider). Drawing from 36 semi-structured interviews and several non-participant observations in Spain, this article shows that the impact of this initiative has been positive but limited. The eradication of bogus self-employment is a positive development, as it allows workers to access safety nets such as social security and employment rights while preserving valued aspects of their employment model like flexible scheduling. However, this progress is undermined by the platforms' efforts to circumvent regulations through what we term a ‘chameleonic labour process’. Such chameleonic behaviour on the part of the platforms includes: outsourcing labour operations to other companies; maintaining the independent contractor model; and, condoning undocumented work. Despite some progress, workers continue to face insecurity and low wages across all platforms, albeit in varying degrees and in different forms.