Gig Workers’ Rights - The Hindu - 23/01/23

Context:
On September 20, 2021, the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers, on behalf of gig workers, filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court demanding that the Union government provide succour to workers affected by the pandemic.
Relevance:
GS3
About:
A Gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common and organisations contract with independent workers for short-term engagements.
-Gig Worker: A person who performs work or participates in a gig work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of traditional employer-employee relationship.

->Growth Drivers of the Gig Economy in India
-Rise of the Internet and Mobile Technology
-Economic Liberalisation.
-Increasing Demand for Flexible Work
-Demographic Factors

->Case of China: In China, the government's scrutiny over food delivery platforms has increased amidst public discourse. This was especially the case in Wuhan, the Covid-19 pandemic’s epicentre, where there was a clear transition of social discourse in favour of delivery workers.

->Issues Related to Gig Workers in India:
-Lack of Job and Social Security: Many gig workers in India are not covered by labour codes and do not have access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
-Digital Divide: The gig economy heavily relies on technology and internet access, this creates a barrier for those who lack access to these resources, and further exacerbates income inequality.
-Lack of Data: There is a lack of data and research on the gig economy in India which makes it difficult for policy makers to understand its size, scope, and impact on the economy and workforce.
-Exploitation by Companies: Gig workers in India are often paid less than traditional employees and may not have the same legal protections.

For any queries, monthly magazines, reviews, please contact on [email protected]