Calling out exploitative labour dynamics on platforms
- In a groundbreaking movement for India’s gig economy, women gig workers organized a nationwide digital strike this Deepavali, marking a significant moment in labor activism. Led by the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), India’s first women-centric gig worker union, the strike highlighted issues of exploitative practices faced by workers and appealed for solidarity from service users and fellow gig workers nationwide.
Rooted in Exploitation:
- The workers have voiced concerns that heavy discounts offered by platform companies often come at the cost of their wages, under near-exploitative working conditions. Gig workers argue that behind the success of platform companies and their rapid growth lies the reality of undervalued labor and venture capital-backed expansions.
- Although platform companies are celebrated as “wealth creators,” this label overlooks the low wages and minimal protections afforded to workers, despite their substantial contributions to India’s economy. India’s informal economy, powered by workers like these, accounts for over 60% of the GDP.
A Call for Dignified Employment and Rights:
- The women gig workers’ strike, symbolically dubbed “Black Diwali,” drew significant attention. Yet, their demands for fair treatment, secure employment, and stricter regulations remain largely unaddressed within mainstream labor dialogues.
- The women are advocating for changes that go beyond minimal social security measures, which they often view as inadequate. Historically, labor movements have pushed for secure working hours, living wages, and dignified conditions — all of which are still pressing concerns for today’s gig workers.
Systemic Patriarchy in Gig Work:
- Digital platforms have continued traditional gender norms, assigning women to roles like beauticians, cooks, and housekeepers. Women face challenges like job security based on arbitrary ratings and “auto-assigned” tasks, with the risk of being “blocked” if they refuse, effectively terminating their employment.
- Many GIPSWU members are single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, or divorced, turning to platform work due to limited options. However, platform companies often exploit this labor pool, viewing it as a readily available workforce unlikely to organize effectively.
- Despite promises of flexibility and independence, many women find themselves caught between financial pressures and demanding platform requirements. The absence of protective labor laws allows companies to exploit these dynamics, maintaining a system of economic exploitation under a facade of empowerment.
The Path Forward: Grassroots Organizing:
- This digital strike has empowered GIPSWU members and sparked global attention. The union’s long-term agenda emphasizes grassroots organization, which they believe is the most powerful tool to advocate for new policies and fair labor laws.
- The success of this movement is not only significant for Indian gig workers but also for workers worldwide, highlighting the potential for collective action to bring about meaningful change.