Issues, Challenges and Recommendations for the Session on “Platform Economy: Emerging Issues and the Way Forward

The Context

Gig Workers Association of India (GigWA) and Amazon India Workers Association (AIWA) in collaboration with ACORN has been cognizant of fact that the future of the world of work is largely driven by digital economy in which young men and women are getting jobs as app-based gig workers and warehouse workers while there exists the conventional market with the interplay of the producers, manufacturers and street vendors.

As per the report of the NITI Aayog, the number of platform-based gig workers is going to increase to the tune of 23.5 million by the year 2030. However, all these are not recognized by their employers as workers and they are kept out of the ambit of social protection like ESIC and PF which is otherwise available to Indian workers.

At the same time, concern for the platform-based workers has emerged on the international and national levels with the attention of the unions at the national and international level. G-20 Summit declaration has taken cognizance of the social security concerns of the platform workers. The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration highlights that the gig and platform economy offer workers the opportunity to overcome traditional constraints related to work hours and physical location. This enables a larger workforce to seamlessly integrate into the labour market. At the international level, the gig economy now constitutes as much as 12 per cent of the worldwide labour market, a substantially greater share than previously thought. On the one hand, it presents a notable opportunity for women and young people in emerging nations and in India too, on the other there are concerns for safeguarding the small businesses. The demand for online gig employment is on a swift upswing. However, there remains a significant deficit in terms of social protection for the platform-based workers engaged in this sector. Keeping this in consideration, it is fortuitous that G20 countries wish to achieve the following:

a. The Employment Working Group will leverage the valuable experiences of G20 member countries to craft a set of recommendations aimed at broadening social protection coverage for a more extensive segment of workers involved in platform and gig economies. This effort will support the creation of monitoring mechanisms to track advancements in social protection for gig and platform workers, thereby enhancing their well-being and economic security.

b. Provide suggestions on improving national statistical capabilities and methodologies to accurately capture evolving work patterns, such as gig and platform work. Additionally, offer insights on harnessing platforms and technology to enhance the efficiency of data collection processes.

c. Generating statistics related to the platform economy will organize data pertaining to diverse groups of workers across various platforms. This will empower both employers and workers to better understand the potential opportunities offered by digital platforms within the G20 nations.

 In all these developments, Gig Workers Association in the collaboration with Amazon India Workers Association and several regional unions of the Platform based gig workers have been in the forefront in raising the issues and concerns of the platform-based gig workers at various forums in India.

Gig Workers Association of India (GigWA), an all India network of platform based gig workers working for platforms and apps like Amazon,Flipkart, Ola ,Uber, Zapto, Radipo, Blinkit, Dunzo, Urban Company,  Yes Madam, Instamart etc. GigWA is taking initiatives at the national and state levels in the 34 cities of India to organise platform-based gig workers in order to get their recognition as worker and constitution of gig workers welfare board based on the model of cess collection modelled broadly in line with the Rajasthan Platform based Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act,2023. At the national level, GigWA All had the privilege of being called by VV GIRI National Labour Institute for the brainstorming session held on August 14,2023 submitting its inputs to the VVGIRI National Labour Institute for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

 A series of activities by  the platform-based gig workers and warehouse workers was  organised by Gig Workers Association of India (GigWA), Amazon India Workers Association (AIWA), Hawkers Joint Action Committee (HJAC) in collaboration with Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and Rajasthan Gig and App Based Workers Union  and other organisations as part of a nation-wide actions on 24 November, 2023 from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm for securing grant of our key demands in order to secure to best interests of platform-based gig workers and MSMEs. On this day which is observed as Black Friday as part of the Campaign for Make Amazon Pay activities like rallies, demonstrations and sit ins were organised in the cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna,Varanasi, Aurungabad, Rudrapur ( Udham Singh Nagar),Bhopal, Rishikesh, Agra and Kolhapur and memorandums with the following  key Demands were submitted to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of India on behalf of GigWA are noted as below:

1. Make a platform-based worker specific central law for platform-based gig workers!
2. Give employee recognition and status to people working through app-based platforms!
3. Form a tripartite board for gig workers by including representatives from the platform-based e-commerce operation known as aggregators, gig workers organizations and government!
4. Guarantee social security for the platform-based gig workers and their families through the tripartite board!
5. Stop the one-way action of blocking cards!
6. Provide ESI and EPF facilities to all gig workers!
7. Right to minimum wage to all gig workers for their login hours!

 Amazon India Workers Association (AIWA) is a collective of regular and full-time warehouse workers working for Amazon India. At present, AIWA is forming workers’ platform at the warehouse level. Workers under the banner of AIWA have developed a charter of demands and constantly raising it with stakeholders. As workers around the world can attest, Amazon embodies 21st-century corporate excess, gruelling productivity targets, invasive surveillance, and blatant disregard for workers’ health and rights haven’t only dominated headlines worldwide, but sparked a global movement to Make Amazon Pay. This campaign is now gaining momentum in India.

On Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, which has been rebranded as ‘Make Amazon Pay’ day, workers, supported by legislators, students, and other allies protested worldwide from Bengaluru to Berlin. In India, thousands of people demanded what’s long overdue – a seat at the bargaining table, where workers can exercise their rights and improve their working conditions.

We know that Amazon’s staggering success has come at the expense of workers worldwide. At no time has this been clearer than during the pandemic, which intensified an already brutal work environment. As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon’s orders and profits soared, and so did the toll on workers. The company’s even more relentless pace and pressure, coupled with inadequate safety measures, exposed employees to risks of injury or illness.

Workers tell us that Amazon’s performance monitoring system makes them feel “stressed, pressured, anxious, and untrusted”, according to a 2023 UNI Global Union survey of Amazon employees in eight countries, including Amazon’s largest markets. Over half of the 2,000 workers surveyed said Amazon’s monitoring systems have had a negative impact on their physical (51%) and mental health (57%). The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration said that “Amazon’s work processes are designed for speed, not safety, and that these processes cause serious injuries to workers.”

On this occasion, Amazon India Workers Association presented the following key Demands for the Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of India:

1. Implement an equal pay policy in the Amazon warehouse of Delhi NCR and ensure a minimum salary of Rs 25,000.
2. End the contract system in the Amazon warehouse and regularize all the employees.
3. Stop blocking cards unilaterally without notice and domestic enquiry.
4. Provide adequate and convenient restrooms for women.
5. Ensure 200 days of work in a year for part-time workers.
6. The target should be practical and suitable to mental and physical capacity.
7. Stop harassing female employees and stop using derogatory language.
8. Give a Diwali bonus of at least Rs 20,000 to all warehouse employees.
9. Give appropriate compensation to the employee affected by any duty related accidents.

In reference to the above, AIWA  also conducted a signature campaign at an online petition site called  https://act.jhatkaa.org/campaigns/make-amazon-pay?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=WA-thank-you_20231115  in order to seek urgent redress to our demands.  The memorandum was submitted to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Government  with the signatories with an appeal for looking into the cause of the social security for the Amazon Workers.  

About the Co Organisers:

1.ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) which is a membership organization of low-and-moderate income tenants, workers, residents and which has been fighting for a better life for common people and communities with an understanding that the economic and political set-up doesn’t work for common people. ACORN International affiliates share an approach to taking back what belongs to people. The shared principles include: always organize the unorganized, strive for self-sufficiency, co-ordinated autonomy between local groups, issues as vehicles for building power, taking action to secure wins, and the organization belongs to its members.

 2.The Safety and Rights Society (SRS) stands as a beacon of advocacy and empowerment within the non-profit landscape of Bangladesh. Being established in 2009, SRS has evolved into a dynamic force committed to catalyzing positive changes through promoting justice and equality for working people. Beyond its foundational focus on occupational safety and rights, the organization actively engages in youth development initiatives, fostering skill development, providing educational support, and offering advocacy programs for young individuals from gig workers and marginalized communities.

From its inception, SRS has been involved in addressing legal issues, including workers' rights, compensation, and advocacy on legal matters, with a specific focus on workers and traditionally marginalized communities. Our vision encapsulates a commitment to workplaces that not only adhere to legal standards but also prioritize the provision of decent conditions for workers. Our mission revolves around the tireless enforcement of laws and regulations, achieved through collaborative efforts with government bodies, employers, workers, and various stakeholders. With objectives ranging from the promotion of improved workplace health and safety to the enhancement of public health and safety through stringent regulation, SRS maintains a holistic approach to social betterment.

With over 14 years of experience spanning both non-formal and formal labor sectors, SRS has actively addressed the unique challenges faced by formal and non-formal based workers. The organization has successfully executed numerous projects on labor issues, covering workers' rights, Decent Work Place initiatives, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), ratification of ILO 19, and environmental standards.

SRS is dedicated to providing crucial support to gig workers by focusing the challenges faced by gig workers, ranging from job insecurity to the lack of social protection, call for strategic interventions and policy measures to ensure fair and equitable conditions for this expanding segment of the workforce. SRS offers advocacy for policies that strike a balance between fostering gig economy growth and safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers, soft skill training, and actively engages in civic initiatives. Our efforts include conducting programs addressing labor rights, fair wages, decent workplaces, and worker's welfare for gig workers. These initiatives involve training sessions, special day observations, and close collaboration with community-based organizations, worker's unions, and government entities, ensuring the rights and well-being of gig workers are upheld.

SRS Strategies for Safeguarding Gig Workers': It is paramount to address the unique challenges faced by platform workers. The absence of traditional employer-employee relationships requires innovative policy approaches. Clear definitions of employment status, fair wages, and social protection mechanisms are key aspects. Moreover, the following strategies could be taken to address the challenges of gig workers:

1. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that strike a balance between fostering gig economy growth and safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers.
2. Legal Framework: Develop and strengthen the legal framework to explicitly recognize and protect the rights of gig workers.
3. Social Protection: Implement social protection programs that cater specifically to the needs of gig workers, ensuring access to healthcare, insurance, and retirement benefits.
4. Digital Inclusion: Promote digital inclusion initiatives to bridge the technological gap, providing training and resources for gig workers to navigate online platforms.
5. Organizing: Facilitate the formation of gig worker associations or unions to empower workers to negotiate better terms and conditions.

About the WSF Activity on Platform Economy: Emerging Issues and the Way Forward

In the context of the intense work in India by GigWA, AIWA in collaboration with Hawkers Joint Action Committee, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and Rajasthan Gig and App Based Workers Union and other organisations and unions in the National Capital of India and other cities, the WSF activity was  planned by GigWA , AIWA in collaboration with ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) and SRS, Bangaladesh.

Purpose:

The purpose of the 90 minutes of the reflections was to have substantive sharing by key speakers from across the world representing regions that are bound together with the concerns for the platform economy workers at the back end of delivery of goods and services. It was envisaged that the reflections will be based on the quick recap of the policy and programme space in the countries with key recommendations in order to take forward the collective agenda of the platform workers’ rights within and across the nations.

Outcome:

A joint statement consisting of the recommendations and a declaration of the call of action, campaigns required for attaining the goals of legislative protection and social security for platform workers in the platform economy was envisaged that will feed into the WSF documents and contribute in the policy and programme building by the governments, civil society organizations and digital gig workers in the digital gig economy.

Deliberations:

The International Consultation on the state of the platform economy, emerging issues and the way forward was organized by Gig Workers Association in collaboration with ACORN International, Amazon India Workers Association, Labour and Safety Rights, Bangladesh. Speakers included Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar Alam, National Coordinator, Gig Workers Association, India, Mr.Dharmendra Kumar, Convenor, Amazon India Workers Association, Ms.Manju Goel, Organising Secretary,Amazon India Workers Association,Mr.Nitesh Das, Programme Coordinator,Amazon India Workers Association,Ms.Emma Saunders, Scotland, Ms.Judy Duncan, Canada,Mr.   Mohidul Islam  ,Trade Union Leader form Bangladesh     , Mr. Sikandar Ali Mina, SRS, Bangladesh.

Discussing the key concerns of the Digital Gig Workers and warehouse workers in the Digital gig economy, all speakers highlighted the need to build robust policies for social security of the digital gig workers in the digital gig economy which is growing at a rapid pace. The legislations need to ensure for building of robust social security for the digital gig workers with their recognition as workers. Delivering the best for the digital gig workers needs to be ensured with constant dialogues with the unions and the digital gig workers to ensure the best standards in social security.  Fair compensation for work is the most important to meet the living costs of the workers and their families.  Noting the profile of the digital gig workers in Scotland, India, Canada and Bangladesh, it was observed that most of the workers are migrant and large numbers also are joining the sector since there are not many other opportunities. 

Speakers from around the world spoke in the session which had substantial number of participants from India and Bangladesh and therefore deliberations had insights on the critical topic of regulating platform work, with a specific focus on South Asia. The questions posed for the speakers in the context paper of the Gig Workers Association and the Co organizers provided a valuable framework for understanding the nuances of this evolving landscape of the legal, political, social, and economic status of gig economy workers in the South Asia region. Situation of gig workers in USA, Canada , France ,India and  Bangladesh were shared  where the gig economy is expanding and  the challenges they are facing.

Dr.Muhammad Mukhtar Alam ,National Coordinator, Gig Workers Association of India explained the context and called  for sharing of the national context of the platform workers with key sharing of the sharing of the recommendations.

Mr.Dharmendra Kumar, the Convenor of Amazon India Workers Association shared on the precarious condition of the platform based workers and the legislations in the international context.

Mr. Sikander Ali Meena of Labour and Safety Rights spoke about the Gig Workers in Bangladesh and said that the digital platform economy is still relatively nascent in this region compared to global counterparts. The gig economy has experienced rapid growth in recent years, offering employment opportunities for many individuals in Bangladesh. According to the ICT Division of the Bangladesh Government, there are approximately 650,000 freelancers in the country. The Global Gig-Economy Index by The Pioneer, released in 2019, ranks Bangladesh as the eighth country with the highest year-on-year growth in freelance income. Like many other nations, Bangladesh has witnessed the rise of gig platforms across various sectors, including ride-hailing, food delivery, courier services, and freelancing, which covers high-tech solutions to domestic work. Platforms such as Uber, Pathao, Truck Lagbe, Hello Task, Foodpanda, Steadfast, Paperfly, etc., have been operating in the country, providing individuals with opportunities to work on a gig basis. The Fairwork report for Bangladesh examines gig workers’ rights using five parameters such as Fair Pay, Fair Conditions, Fair Contracts, Fair Management, and Fair Representation. And it is depicted that no one is following the minimum standard required by the law of the land.

Speaking about the movements for the Gig Workers, he said in many countries, including Bangladesh, there has been a growing awareness of the rights and conditions of gig workers. Organizations and movements advocating for gig workers' rights have emerged, pushing for fair wages, improved working conditions, enhanced social protection, and access to benefits. For example, four platforms (Uber, Pathao, Obhai, CarBangla) have been active in Dhaka Ridesharing Drivers Union (DRDU). However, the extent and impact of such movements are yet to get the proper attention due to the limited participation of the gig workers.

Speaking about the emerging sectors in the Gig Economy: Apart from the well-established ride-hailing and food delivery sectors, gig work is rapidly expanding into areas such as freelance services, e-commerce logistics, and virtual assistance.

Sharing about the global platforms aligned with Gig Economy Workers, he shared that  Several international platforms and initiatives align with the cause of gig economy workers. Some of the prominent among them are the following:

1. Fairwork: A global initiative focused on improving labor standards in the platform economy.
2. International Labour Organization (ILO): Develops international labor standards and guidelines that can be adapted to protect gig workers.
3. Gig Workers' Collectives: Platforms that enable gig workers globally to share experiences and advocate for their rights collectively.

As the gig economy continues to reshape the nature of work, it is imperative to address the challenges faced by gig workers, fostering an environment where their rights are protected, and their contributions are valued. Through collaborative efforts from policymakers, businesses, and civil society, can create a more equitable gig economy that benefits workers and the broader society. The lessons learned from positive examples, like the Rajasthan bill, should guide us in crafting regulations that balance flexibility with protection, ensuring the dignity and rights of platform workers across South Asia.

Challenges Identified:

Challenges of Gig Workers: In many cases, gig workers are considered independent contractors, which may mean they do not have access to traditional employment benefits such as health insurance or paid leave. They often receive low wages, and many are not entitled to benefits such as sick leave or paid vacation. They lack the same social protections as regular employees, such as access to healthcare, social security, and retirement benefits. Additionally, gig workers often have limited access to justice, as they may not be aware of their legal rights or may be afraid to speak out against unfair treatment. Gig workers in Bangladesh face several challenges that include but are not limited to

1. Unorganized Workforce: Gig or Platform-based workers are mostly unorganized, making them vulnerable to protecting their rights through collective bargaining.
2. Job Insecurity: Gig workers often lack the job security and benefits that traditional employment offers, with fluctuating incomes and precarious working conditions.
3. Lack of Social Protection: The absence of comprehensive social protection measures, such as health insurance and retirement plans, leaves gig workers vulnerable.
4. Limited Legal Recognition: Many gig workers operate in a legal grey area, lacking clear legal recognition and protection, making them susceptible to exploitation.
5. Technological Disparities: Disparities in access to technology and digital literacy contribute to unequal opportunities within the gig economy.

Strategies identified for realizing the rights of the Gig Workers referred diversely as digital platform workers: It is paramount to address the unique challenges faced by platform workers. The absence of traditional employer-employee relationships requires innovative policy approaches. Clear definitions of employment status, fair wages, and social protection mechanisms are key aspects. Moreover, the following strategies could be helpful to address the challenges of gig workers:

1. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that strike a balance between fostering gig economy growth and safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers.
2. Legal Framework: Develop and strengthen the legal framework to explicitly recognize and protect the rights of gig workers as workers.
3. Social Protection: Implement social protection programs that cater specifically to the needs of gig workers that ensure access to healthcare, insurance, and retirement benefits.
4. Digital Inclusion: Promote digital inclusion initiatives to bridge the technological gap, providing training and resources for gig workers in order to enable them navigate online platforms effectively and efficiently.
5. Organizing: Facilitate the formation of gig worker associations or unions to empower workers to negotiate better terms and conditions.

The deliberations included sharing of the content of the memorandum of the collectives such as Gig Workers Association which is a non-registered confederation of unions such as Amazon India Workers Association, Rajasthan App Based Platform Workers Union, Telangna App Based Platform Workers Union etc. Demands for the Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of India on behalf of GigWA are noted below were shared by Dr.Muhammad Mukhtar Alam:

1. Make a platform-based worker specific central law for platform-based gig workers!
2. Give employee recognition and status to people working through app-based platforms!
3. Form a tripartite board for gig workers by including representatives from the platform-based e-commerce operation known as aggregators, gig workers organizations and government!
4. Guarantee social security for the platform-based gig workers and their families through the tripartite board!
5. Stop the one-way action of blocking Identity cards!
6. Provide ESI and EPF facilities to all gig workers!
7. Right to minimum wage to all gig workers for their login hours!

Demands for the Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of India on behalf of Amazon India Workers (AIWA)  noted below were shared by Ms.Manju Goel:

1. Implement an equal pay policy in the Amazon warehouse of Delhi NCR and ensure a minimum salary of Rs 25,000.
2. End the contract system in the Amazon warehouse and regularize all the employees.
3. Stop blocking Identity cards unilaterally without notice and domestic enquiry.
4. Provide adequate and convenient restrooms for women.
5. Ensure 200 days of work in a year for part-time workers.
6. The target should be practical and suitable to mental and physical capacity.
7. Stop harassing female employees and stop using derogatory language.
8. Give a Diwali bonus of at least Rs 20,000 to all warehouse employees.
9. Give appropriate compensation to the employee affected by any duty related accidents.

Statement for Recognition of the Gig Workers as Workers was presented through a banner and same was signed by many organisations. The list of signatories is enclosed in the documentation section.

This report is added as a document in the documentation section. You may please download.

Statement of Demands for Securing the Best Deal for the Platform Workers

Recognizing the precarious condition of the platform-based workers and the home-based online workers, we demand a central legislation for securing the long-term social security of the platform workers and share the following pointers:

Central Legislation from the perspective of entitlements for platform-based Gig workers

Perspective of workers entitlements instead of being recipients of welfare schemes: Gig workers and application-based platform workers need to receive their rights as entitlements. Being from among the youths, all male and female workers need to earn family wage that enables a decent livelihood with food, nutrition, water, health, education, and energy security.

Central Legislation for regulation and growth of the platform-based economy: While state government legislations are showing the way forward, there is a need to enact a central legislation. The enactment of a law in this regard subject to framing of the rules has taken place in Rajasthan which has caught the imagination of the researchers, unions (registered and non-registered) ,  gig workers and application-based platform workers. 

Recognition of the platform-based workers as workers: It has been reported that gig and platform workers worldwide are struggling to be considered “workers” and not “independent contractors”, so as to gain the protection of labor laws and social safety nets. Gig workers have been recognized by the courts in the UK, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, France, Denmark, some U.S. states, and an expanding number of countries. At this stage gig workers and application-based platform workers in India are neither treated as employees nor have the freedom of contract workers. Thus, there is a need to secure their recognition as workers since more than 85 per cent of gig workers and application-based platform workers are working full time, according to the Janpahal survey. This could be determined by securing log in and log out time patterns from the aggregators/employers.

HR Practices

End of the exploitative HR practices of the aggregators and their usurpation of the earnings through multiple means:  Aggregators take a major chunk of earnings through credits, commissions, subscriptions, loans, penalties & fees- whereas the workers bear the cost of products, maintenance, travel, paperwork. Considering this, we demand development of best practices protocol for the entire sector of application-based service providers and their employees. Fair business standards or ethical business standards need to be developed and application-based platforms needs to be regulated. Commissions deducted by the application-based platforms should not exceed more than 20 percent. Workers are subjected to below minimum wage level take-home earning since platforms are deducting high commissions ranging from 20-40%.

Emotionally Intelligent HR Practices

 are required to secure adoption of best ethical standards and best deal for all parties in the gig economy.  This requires adoption of compassion while being upfront in securing performance standards.

Profit Sharing Standards

Recognizing the cost to the aggregators, fair profit sharing with the workers through building social security payments need to be formulated, regulated and audited. Accountability of the application-based platforms needs to be ensured through third part audit by VVGNLI or its empaneled agencies. Annual audit of the credits, commissions, subscriptions, loans, penalties & fees needs to be ensured and linked to the continuation of the license and due permissions and approvals. Fair practices at all levels needs to be ensured in the auditing processes. Fair cost to company audit and fair compensation audit for workers needs to be performed with the provision for strict adherence to the same. Punitive measures need to be defined as well to ensure best performance by app-based platforms.

Guarantee fair wages and financial transparency: At this stage there exists absence of transparency in payment and there is no minimum guaranteed income. Thus, there is a need to guarantee fair wages and ensure minimum guaranteed income for all app-based platform workers. This can be ensured through central legislation only. At this stage, platform workers are not even recognized as workers.

Compensation for the logged in hours

Demand for fair wages, minimum wages for the log in hours: We demand minimum wages for the log in hours to secure survival equations of the families. All adult workers need to be treated as family heads with children. Thus, minimum income guarantee needs to be ensured with timely update for the minimum income which is adjusted to inflation.  Fair working hour wage needs to be ensured. Long and irregular working hours, often exceeding 12 hours a day has a negative implication for health. Thus, working hours need to be regulated with minimum wage guarantee.

Transparency in payment system: At this stage, there is no clarity on the payments and aggregators are charged to be not transparent. Data sharing on the payments needs to be mandated for all the aggregators. This can be sorted out through creation of a centralized registry for all the app-based platform workers for monitoring and evaluation of the functioning of the app-based platforms in such a way that these are not a deterrent to the platform owners since these app-based platform owners are generating employment as well. Establishing a best deal for the platform workers is the call of the unions.

Consultative Processes for the Major Financial Changes by the Platform Owners

Workers needs to be consulted on major financial changes: The aggregators should be bound to adopt fair practices and work with the unions on the major financial decisions. Alternatively, workers need to be consulted through platforms for all the major financial changes which have implications for the income to the workers.  These consultations are easy through app-based platforms itself. However, offline consultations will remain the best to ensure real time interaction in person.

Algorithmic Transparency through Algorithm Audit and Understanding the Artificial Intelligence in Platform management

Algorithmic Management: There is no information to the workers on how rides are fixed, earnings and deductions are decided leading to often stress, anxiety, discrimination, and exploitation. Therefore, Algorithm Audit is urgently needed for securing best deal for the workers.

Algorithmic Transparency and Accountability needs be ensured- This calls for sharing of all employment decisions and changes including transactions and these needs to be explained to workers & notified to the workers. The central legislation built on the new labor code would be a huge leap in delivering social security in India that is Bharat which is championing the cause of being Vishwaguru(World leader)  in all domains. G-20 leadership with the enunciation of the ideal of vasudhaiv kutumbkum (All creation is one family) unity creates a duty for all citizens of India in general and government of India in particular to ensure best standards in short term and long terms social security delivery for the millions of the app-based platform workers in the G-20 nations which virtually bring together all leading countries from across the continents.

Understanding the employment of Artificial Intelligence for HR decisions of the aggregators needs to be understood to eradicate the unfair practices which include the practice of unilateral and discriminatory terms of employment. This article shows the instances of how there in many decisions humans are not involved but algorithms of AI take the decision. Exposing algorithms https://www.workersunity.com/india/gig-workers-regulating-work-platforms-exposing-algorithms/ . These results in arbitrary and unilateral terminations- stop unilateral blocking of gig workers’ IDs.  As a result, there is absence of Grievance redress mechanisms that work in a humane way and NOT in the mechanical way. To ensure this, human access for grievance redress is required across the cities where app-based platforms are delivering services and products.

Ownership of Data by Government of India

Data Access: Access to data of employees is to be guaranteed like- jobs completed, payments made, insurances claimed and paid etc. This access to data will ensure multiple benefits to all parties. Employers, employees and regulators with access to data will ensure optimal functioning of the economy with joy and happiness for all. There is absence of control of workers over the huge data/info aggregators have pertaining to the workers identity, location, preferences, and behavior which are used by the aggregators for profiling, advertising, analytics.  Government of India through a central registry should have ownership of all data of the workers which is given to workers and others for the appropriate purposes.

Employee Benefits

Social Security Board needs to set up at the central and state level with representatives from the unions of app-based platform workers and gig workers, platform employers as well as govt functionaries is urgently needed to secure the best interests of the workers and aggregators. These boards need to be accompanied with the creation of welfare funds.

ESIC and EPF benefits along with pension to all app-based workers: Considering the growth projections of the gig and app-based platform economy as envisaged by NITI Ayog, there is a need to secure coverage under ESIC and EPF for all app-based platform workers who have been logging in for work for more than 8 hours. .

Maternity Benefits with Crèche facilities for Lactating mothers at Warehouses of the app-based platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart: In order to ensure child protection, women workers need be too attended with special care in order to eradicate gender inclusion deficits in platform work force associated with the aggregators. According to Janpahal survey of the platform workers, only 2.3 per of the workers are from among women.

Occupational Health and Safety

Health and Accident Insurance: Platform workers are exposed to various health and safety risks like road accidents, occupational hazards, harassments, etc.  Accidental insurance benefits should be ensured and its terms and conditions should be made platform worker friendly. This will be possible through a central legislation that will ensure access to accidental insurance and create transparent grievance redressal mechanism.

Mental Health Assistance to app-based workers in distress:  Considering the incidence of suicides among the platform-based workers through in insignificant numbers, there is need to save lives and secure joyful work. This will be possible through mandating app-based platform owners to provide mental assistance window and reduce targets when there are distress signals received. Artificial Intelligence generated bots should be programmed for sending Clinical Psychologists having expertise in distress assistance. Ministry of Labour and Employment could consider creating an app based mental health support system to enable access to mental health support. GigWA has come across cases of app-based platform workers of Urban Company thinking of committing suicide post blockade of their identity as they are single mothers with no other work. Having the sole responsibility for earning bread and butter for the household, platform-based workers especially single mother find themselves in precarious situation when their identities are blocked due to various reasons by the aggregators/App based platform employers. .

Financing for the Schemes for the App-based platform workers, warehouse workers, home based online workers: 

Cess-based model for the financing the social security of platform-based gig workers needs to be boosted from the revenue of public exchequer. Alternatively, aggregators need to build in social security payments for Social Security Fund which is envisaged in the Social Security Code. The policy vacuum or absence of the implementation of the intent needs to give way for a clear decision. India at this stage is witnessing campaigning for formation of tripartite on the one hand and one the other Ministry of Labour and Employment officials are found expressing the plan of collecting a percentage of the turnover for the Social Security Fund that is envisaged in the New Labor Code.

The above pointers for the central legislation, schemes and associated financial memorandum are indicative subject to more detailing. In India, the call of SHRESHT BHARAT will clearly have indicators in reference to the delivery of entitlements for the app-based platform workers who are log in to work.  Meeting ILO basic minimum standards with additional benefits for the app-based platform workers in India will make India have a luminous reckoning in the comity of nations. Our slogans will have to be demonstrated in practice for the app-based workers and workers in the informal sector in general like Indonesia where all unorganized sector workers are entitled to basic social security benefits.

Looking forward to receive kindest attention of all in the government, law, labour research, policy building and implementation for the app-based platform workers who while contributing to the national GDP need urgent assistance, GigWA and the organizers seek comprehensive central legislations within and across the nations that bind all the app-based platform owners to deliver the best social security deal for the platform workers.

Signatories:

1. Gig Workers Association, Dr.Muhammad Mukhtar Alam , National Coordinator 
2. ACORN, India, Mr. Vinod Shetty, Executive Director,
3. Amazon India Workers Association ,Mr.Dharmendra Kumar, Covenor
4. Janpahal ,Mr.Nitesh Kumar Das, Programme Coordinator
5. Safety and Rights Society, Bangladesh, Sikandar Ali Mina

Endorsements and comments requested

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