Key Demands Raised at the Roundtable
- Minimum wages/income: Based on logged-in hours, not just deliveries or rides completed.
- Social security policy: Urged the Central government to create a dedicated social security policy for online platform workers.
- Legal protections: Emphasized the need for formal legal recognition and safeguards for gig and platform workers.
- Tripartite Welfare Board:
- Proposed at both State and Central levels.
- To include representatives from workers, employers, and government.
- Objective: Build dialogue among stakeholders and influence policymaking for a fairer gig economy.
Relevance: GS 2(Social Justice) ,GS 3(Indian Economy)
Worker Testimonies: Harsh Realities
- Arbitrary termination: Worker IDs frequently blocked, often without cause or due process.
- Lack of grievance redressal: No formal mechanisms exist for resolving disputes.
- Hostile corporate behavior: Companies seen as insensitive and dictatorial.
- Union-busting tactics: Attempts to organise or protest are met with termination or suppression.
- Social stigma: Gig workers feel disrespected and unrecognized by society.
Economic Exploitation Issues
- Declining rate cards: Continuous reduction in pay rates despite rising costs.
- Unfair surcharge sharing: Companies do not equitably distribute surcharges paid by customers.
- No income stability: Earnings fluctuate heavily due to algorithmic control and unregulated practices.
Policy Suggestions
- Legal classification: Clearly define gig workers under labour laws.
- Wage floor: Implement minimum wage standards across platforms.
- Universal social security: Cover gig workers under pension, health, insurance, and maternity benefits.
- Protect union rights: Recognize gig worker collectives and allow collective bargaining.
Conclusion:
The roundtable highlighted the urgent need for institutional reforms, legal recognition, and economic justice for gig workers — who form the backbone of the digital service economy but remain vulnerable and unprotected under current frameworks.
