Context
- Daily wage workers gather in labour chowks (mazdoor mandis), waiting for employment. Employers or thekedaars (middlemen) negotiate the lowest possible wages. Workers, due to desperation and unemployment, accept unfair wages.
Gig Economy as a Digital Mazdoor Mandi
- Gig platforms have replaced traditional thekedaars with virtual middlemen (apps).
- Workers accept piece-rate work with no wage security, social security, or bargaining power.
- The algorithm controls job allocation and wage determination, maximizing platform profits.
- Workers are forced to chase five-star ratings for continued employment.
Extreme Exploitation – The Case of ‘Insta Maids’
- Platforms now offer maids on demand for ₹49/hour, worsening worker exploitation.
- Workers protest with slogans:
- “Rating nahi, haq chaahiye” (We want rights, not ratings).
- “Insaan hai hum, ghulaam nahi” (We are humans, not slaves).
Struggles for Legislative Protection
- Workers advocated for laws to ensure:
- Social security for gig workers.
- Access to real-time data about their earnings and work conditions.
- Independent grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Rajasthan passed a gig worker law, but the new BJP government stalled its implementation.
- Congress promised similar laws in Karnataka and Telangana, but lobbying by industry bodies like NASSCOM and CII stalled progress.
Corporate Hypocrisy & Government Inaction
- Gig platforms oppose regulation while promoting PR campaigns claiming to uplift workers.
- The Urban Company founder supported anti-regulation efforts while publicly claiming gig work improves financial security.
- State governments listen to corporate voices, keeping protective laws in cold storage instead of implementing them.
Call for Action
- Expose corporate hypocrisy and bring an end to modern slavery in gig work.
- Demand strong legislative protection for gig workers to ensure fair wages, security, and rights.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-dystopian-side-of-insta-commerce/article69344349.ece