Issue with Women Gig Workers in India

Source: The post Issue with Women Gig Workers in India has been created, based on the article “Calling out exploitative labour dynamics on platforms” published in “The Hindu” on 11th November 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Employment

Context: The article highlights women gig workers’ exploitation in India, focusing on their “Black Diwali” digital strike led by GIPSWU. It discusses poor wages, unsafe conditions, digital patriarchy, and calls for better labor rights, security, and fair treatment in platform jobs.

For detailed information on Gig Workers in India read this article here

What is the Issue with Women Gig Workers in India?

1. Exploitation of Wages: Discounts offered by platform companies during festivals are sourced from workers’ reduced wages, resulting in exploitative conditions.
2. Patriarchal Job Assignments: Women gig workers are confined to roles like beauticians, cooks, and housekeepers, perpetuating traditional patriarchal norms.
3. Job Insecurity: Workers’ employment depends on ratings and accepting “auto-assigned” jobs. Refusing tasks often leads to blocking or termination, which is equivalent to “illegal termination.”
4. Lack of Social Security: Workers face high transportation costs, platform fees, and a lack of essential benefits, leaving many financially strained.
5. Economic Contribution: Informal economy workers contribute over 60% of India’s GDP, yet their efforts are undervalued.
6. “Black Diwali” Strike: Women gig workers organized a digital strike under the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), India’s first women-centric gig workers’ union. They protested against low wages and harsh working conditions exacerbated by festive season discounts offered by platform companies.
7. Digital Patriarchy: AI-driven platforms exploit women by setting unrealistic targets while claiming to offer “freedom” and flexibility.

What Was the Outcome of the Digital Strike?

1. The strike garnered significant media attention and public support. It empowered workers, showing the strength of grassroots organizing.
2. Women gig workers demanded stricter regulations for platform companies and called for secure employment with living wages.

What Are the Future Goals for GIPSWU?

1. GIPSWU aims to continue its fight for better labor conditions through grassroots organizing and advocating for policies that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security for gig workers.
2. This approach aims to change how platform companies operate and treat their workers.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by women gig workers in India and the outcomes of their “Black Diwali” digital strike.