Couriers’ visible urban presence turns strikes into recognized, sympathy-winning events.

Evidence

Additionally, squares and urban streets also provided couriers with public and media visibility, which contributed to being recognized by the platform customers. As Chesta et al. (2019, p. 830) point out, “instead of being protests of unknown workers, that people cannot see and meet in their daily life, the riders’ protests have been recognized by city inhabitants and users thanks to their presence in urban space and the identity given by the platform logos.” … Yes, many customers told us that they were not aware of what was underneath, they only saw you riding. Then, they get closer and even give you a little extra tip. They are more sympathetic. If it rains or snows, they tell you: “You know, I’m worried about you, next time I’ll avoid [ordering, t. a.].” Even during the strike, many stopped and took our flyers. In short, they know us, now. (IC4) Processes of solidarity creation thus went beyond workers themselves and included a wider, almost participant public. — Donatella della Porta et al., Mobilizing Against the Odds, 69

Categorization

• XREF: The platform logo acting as an identity marker parallels how visible uniforms/livery aggregate strangers into a recognized group — connects to the reader’s frame analysis of how identity is built. — connects to: Physical co-presence in shared urban spaces enables worker solidarity among food couriers. — Donatella della Porta et al., Mobilizing Against the Odds: Solidarity…, 64; Food couriers’ visibility makes them symbols for all precarious workers. — Donatella della Porta et al., Mobilizing Against the Odds: Solidarity…, 84
• CANDY: The detail that customers started declining to order in rain out of worry for riders, after protests made them visible, is a warm quotable nugget.

Broader Connections

• Food couriers’ visibility makes them symbols for all precarious workers. #expands (0.86) — Donatella della Porta et al., Mobilizing Against the Odds, 84
• Physical co-presence in shared urban spaces enables worker solidarity among food couriers. #corroborates (0.78) — Donatella della Porta et al., Mobilizing Against the Odds, 64