The Struggle for Rights in India’s Gig Economy: A Call for Change

Image credit: Francesco Benvenuto on Unsplash

In the bustling streets of Hyderabad, a city teeming with life and opportunity, a harrowing incident unfolded that would change the life of Syed Lateefuddin forever. Just a week into his new job as an Uber driver, Lateefuddin, a Muslim, found himself under attack in the early hours of the morning. Six men accosted him, forcing him to chant Hindu religious slogans while they pelted his car with stones, leaving it severely damaged. This traumatic experience not only left him shaken but also highlighted the growing issue of religious and caste-based discrimination faced by gig workers in India.

The Rise of Discrimination in the Gig Economy

As India’s gig economy flourishes, with an estimated 23.5 million gig workers expected by the end of the decade, incidents like Lateefuddin’s are becoming alarmingly common. The gig economy, which offers flexible work opportunities, has also become a breeding ground for discrimination, particularly against Muslim delivery workers and drivers. Despite the rapid growth of this sector, workers remain largely unprotected, lacking basic rights and safety measures.

For the nearly eight million gig workers in India, the dream of workplace safety and protection from discrimination remains elusive. However, a shift is underway as these workers begin to organize into unions to advocate for their rights.

A Growing Labor Union Movement

The Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig & Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) are at the forefront of this movement. Shaik Salauddin, a former rental taxi driver turned union leader, recalls the struggles he faced after transitioning to app-based work. Initially, his earnings were promising, but as time went on, he witnessed a decline in income, leading to tragic outcomes for some of his peers.

In 2018, after witnessing the suicide of a fellow driver, Salauddin organized a protest to demand better conditions and support from companies like Uber. Although the protest did not gain immediate traction, it ignited a passion for unionization that has since grown into a formidable movement. Today, IFAT boasts over 40,000 members, while TGPWU has around 10,000, focusing on the unique challenges faced by gig workers in Telangana.

The Struggle for Rights and Legal Recognition

The allure of gig work, particularly in a country grappling with rising unemployment, often masks the harsh realities of subpar working conditions. Women, in particular, have found opportunities in gig jobs, such as providing at-home beauty services through platforms like Urban Company. However, the promise of flexibility comes with significant risks, as many gig workers lack essential benefits like pensions, maternity leave, and health insurance.

In 2020, India’s Code on Social Security began to define gig workers, yet millions remain ambiguously classified. Salauddin emphasizes the need for legal recognition, stating that it took immense effort to engage with the government to secure social security for gig workers. Despite recent legislation mandating that app-based companies allocate a portion of their revenue to a social security fund, implementation remains a challenge.

Mobilizing Gig Workers

Unions like IFAT and TGPWU have mobilized gig workers through awareness programs and workshops, educating them about their rights and the algorithms that govern their work. Social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp have become vital tools for organizing, allowing workers to connect and share information.

Regular protests and strikes have become commonplace, with Salauddin facing numerous legal challenges for his activism. Despite the risks, he remains committed to advocating for the rights of gig workers, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in their struggle.

Small Legislative Wins and Larger Visions

The unions have achieved notable victories, pushing back against discriminatory practices and advocating for better working conditions. For instance, after widespread backlash, Zomato reversed its controversial decision to create separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian delivery fleets, which would have endangered marginalized workers.

Additionally, the unions have successfully lobbied for basic rights, such as access to restroom facilities for delivery workers. In 2023, Zomato announced the establishment of “resting points” for gig workers, allowing them to take necessary breaks during their shifts.

In 2023, Rajasthan became the first state to pass the Gig Workers (Registration & Welfare) Act, providing social security and insurance benefits, albeit without granting full employee status. Meanwhile, Karnataka has proposed legislation to protect gig workers’ interests, aiming to create a welfare board for social security fund disbursement.

A Future of Dignity and Rights

As the gig economy continues to grow, workers like Salauddin are determined to secure their rights and dignity. “You cannot ignore us,” he asserts. “We want to be formally recognized as employees and treated as people with rights.” The fight for justice in India’s gig economy is far from over, but the growing union movement signals a shift toward a more equitable future for all workers.

In conclusion, the stories of individuals like Syed Lateefuddin and Shaik Salauddin serve as powerful reminders of the challenges faced by gig workers in India. As they continue to organize and advocate for their rights, the hope for a safer, more just working environment becomes increasingly attainable.