The Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), India’s pioneering union of women gig workers associated with various platforms and aggregators, has called for a ‘digital strike’ on October 31, coinciding with the festival of Deepavali.
The call for the strike extends to gig workers nationwide, including major metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
The primary demands put forth by GIPSWU touch on critical aspects necessary for the welfare and recognition of gig workers as essential contributors to the digital economy.
According to the news source, ‘The Hindu‘, these demands include the formal recognition of gig workers as employees of platform companies, the establishment of dignified working conditions, enforcement of statutory minimum wages, the implementation of grievance redressal mechanisms for workers, and the acknowledgment of workers’ rights to association and collective bargaining.
The lack of regulatory frameworks and the exclusion of workers from fundamental entitlements have been persistent issues flagged by various gig workers’ unions. GIPSWU’s call to action through a digital strike aims to galvanize gig workers and their supporters in the fight for justice and recognition of their rights within the gig economy.
In light of these developments, it is crucial to draw parallels with Singapore’s proactive stance in enacting the Platform Workers Act, a groundbreaking legislation designed to safeguard the interests of platform workers, platform owners, and consumers alike.
The Singaporean government’s foresight in ensuring adequate financial protection for platform workers in cases of work-related injuries, improving their housing and retirement adequacy, and enhancing their representation sets a commendable precedent for the digital economy landscape globally.
By addressing these key areas, Singapore’s Platform Workers Act not only uplifts the well-being of individuals in the gig economy but also contributes to the overall health and sustainability of the industry.
The challenges faced by gig workers transcend geographical boundaries, resonating with the struggles faced by those in India and Singapore alike. By implementing comprehensive measures to protect and empower platform workers, both nations are committed to fostering fair and equitable working conditions in the digital era.
