社会杂志 ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (2): 32-63.

• 专题一:新型劳动关系研究 • 上一篇    

算法重构:算法规则驱动下的劳资关系转变——以Y平台降薪事件为例

郑家豪   

  • 发布日期:2025-04-29
  • 作者简介:郑家豪,中国人民大学社会学院,E-mail:zhengjh317@qq.com

Algorithm Reconstruction:Algorithm Rule Driven Transformation of Labor Relations—Take the Y Platform’s Salary Reduction Incident as an Example

ZHENG Jiahao   

  • Published:2025-04-29

摘要: 现有关于平台算法的研究大多默认了一个既成的劳动秩序以及劳资间控制与抵制的单一关系,缺乏对劳资关系转变本身的关注。本文尝试建立一个算法角色与劳资关切相耦合的分析框架,以Y平台降薪事件为例,展现劳资关系转变的算法机制。本文将算法驱动劳资关系转变的能力概括为“算法重构”,即算法基于其高效调配资源的能力,通过迭代改变预期输出、转变角色,从而灵活地调整资源调配方式,继而高效适应并达成不同的组织目标,最终促成劳资关系的转变。该发现有助于推动学界对劳资关系的动态研究。此外,鉴于算法在劳资关系中的关键角色,本文认为应将算法视为一种劳动规则并纳入监管,以更好地维护平台劳动者权益。

关键词: 劳资关系转变, 算法重构, 劳资合作类型, 算法控制, 降薪事件

Abstract: Much of the existing research on platform algorithms defaults to a preexisting labor order and a monolithic relationship of control and resistance in labor relations,and lacksattention to the transformation of labor order itself. This paper establishes an analytical framework that the role of algorithms is coupled with labor-capital concerns,exploring how ranking algorithms facilitate transformation in labor-capital relations in the case study of pay cut at the Y online education platform. Before the reduction,the ranking algorithm allocated course resources based on teaching excellence,effectively increasing both platform revenue and teacher income. The wage reduction was implemented in two phases. In the mild salary reduction phase,through algorithm iteration,course resources were covertly redirected towards lower-paid teachers,achieving cost reduction while maintaining stability. During the mandatory pay reduction phase,in response to teacher resistance,the sequencing algorithm was iterated again to allocate course resources based on accurate identification of teacher risk of non-compliance. Throughout this process,the platform shifted from concerns on development to the ones on control,and the role of the algorithm transitioned from enhancing efficiency to exerting control. Labor relations underwent two transformations,sequentially manifesting as autocratic pluralism cooperation,autocratic pseudo-pluralism cooperation,and critical perspective cooperation,with the degree of labor-capital cooperation gradually decreasing. This article summarizes the capability of algorithms to drive transformation in labor relations as “algorithmic reconstruction”. Based on their ability to efficiently allocate resources,algorithms can iteratively change the expected outputs,shift roles,and thus flexibly adjust the way of resource are deployed,and then efficiently adapt to and achieve different organizational goals,and ultimately lead to the transformation of labor relations. This finding helps to advance the study of the dynamics of labor relations. Furthermore,given their critical role,algorithms must be viewed as labor rules that should be subjected to multi-party supervision and negotiation in order to better safeguard the rights of platform workers.

Key words: transformation of labor-capital relations, algorithm reconstruction, labor-capital cooperation type, algorithm control, salary reduction incident