Whether it's a scorching 45°C summer day, heavy rains causing water-logging outside, a fierce storm, or excessive pollution, whether it's day or night, we live in an era of unparalleled convenience. From the comfort of our homes, we can order whatever we want with just a few taps on a smartphone app.
But have you ever thought about the individuals who make this possible? Have you ever considered their perspective? These are the people known as Gig Workers.
According to a survey by the National Council for Applied Economic Research, gig workers in our country work an average of 69.3 hours per week. That's nearly seven days a week, working about 10 hours each day, without any days off. In comparison, other workers average 56 hours per week.
Gig workers often face demanding conditions. They ride their bikes for 8-12 hours a day and experience a level of physical and emotional strain unmatched by most other professions. Despite their better qualifications compared to other workers, 75% of gig workers are struggling financially, earning only ₹18,000 per month despite their tireless efforts.
The term 'Gig' originally referred to temporary jobs or performance acts, typically used by musicians and comedians who get paid for individual acts rather than a regular salary. It first appeared in 1952 when Jack Kerouac used it to describe a temporary job. Today, freelancing and gig work have grown significantly, particularly in the past decade, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating this growth.
The Gig Economy has two main categories: service-based and knowledge-based gigs. Service-based gigs, like those provided by delivery agents, involve low to semi-skilled work, while knowledge-based gigs include high-skilled jobs such as consultants and data scientists. Service workers are often referred to as Blue-Collar Gig Workers, while knowledge workers are known as White-Collar Gig Workers. However, the focus here is on service-based gig workers, those working for platforms like Uber, Ola, Zomato, Swiggy, Urban Company, Porter, and Zepto.
Theoretically, the gig economy offers benefits for both employees and employers. Employers can hire and fire workers as needed without contracts, while employees enjoy flexibility, the ability to choose their work hours, and the possibility to work for multiple companies simultaneously.
However, these benefits are often more theoretical than practical. The reality for many gig workers is harsh. According to NITI Aayog's 2022 report, the number of gig workers in India has soared from 3 million before the COVID pandemic to 7.7 million in 2021, with projections reaching 23.5 million by 2030. India leads the world with a 24% share in the online labor market, indicating that many see gig work as their primary source of income rather than supplementary.
A 2020 study revealed that 90% of gig workers experienced a decline in earnings post-lockdown, and 47% struggled to manage their expenses without borrowing money. Stories like that of Karan Singh, a former construction worker who turned to gig work for survival, highlight the critical role of gig work in people's lives.
Despite the noble titles companies use for their gig workers—like 'Captain,' 'Expert,' or 'Partner'—these individuals often face harsh realities. They must purchase and maintain their own vehicles, cover fuel costs, and face financial pressures without benefits such as health insurance or paid leave. Companies often use terms like 'Partner' to avoid the responsibilities of being an employer, such as providing health insurance or handling work-related accidents.
Studies have shown that gig workers often struggle to earn a living wage after covering expenses. For instance, 40% of a driver’s earnings may be spent on fuel, and drivers working long hours may not earn more than the minimum wage after expenses. These companies avoid recognizing themselves as employers to sidestep legal obligations and costs associated with traditional employment.
Gig workers often face unjust treatment, such as account suspensions or terminations for minor infractions. For example, a worker may have their account blocked for canceling a few jobs due to an accident. These punitive measures undermine the flexibility that is supposed to be a core benefit of gig work.
To address these issues, there is a need for stricter laws and protections. While India's Social Security Code of 2020 aimed to offer benefits like life insurance and health coverage, it remains largely unimplemented. Some states, like Rajasthan, have started taking steps to protect gig workers, but the effectiveness and reach of these measures are still unclear.
Internationally, countries like Thailand and Malaysia have implemented health and accident insurance funded by a small cess on transactions. In the US, the National Labour Relations Board encourages gig workers to form unions, and the EU has passed a directive to ensure gig workers are classified correctly and receive employee benefits.
As consumers, we can make a difference by acknowledging the hard work of gig workers. Always provide a 5-star rating if the service meets expectations, and if there are issues, address them through proper channels rather than blaming the delivery worker. Recognizing their efforts and advocating for better protections will help improve their working conditions.
Thank you for reading and for your support of gig worker
