As more people are opting for gig jobs, mainly as delivery staff of online platforms, the Kerala government has expedited measures to bring in comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of this workforce. The Kerala government has formed a 26-member committee to look into the problems faced by the delivery staff of various online service platforms.
Experts are of the opinion that the legislation would significantly impact the state’s labour market and influence corporate strategies in the long run when it comes to recruitment in Kerala.
The new legislation will ensure that delivery workers, often classified as independent contractors, receive the same protections as traditional employees. This includes minimum wage guarantees, health benefits, and safety measures.
According to a senior government officer, the technical committee comprising social scientists, economists, and trade union representatives will analyse the problems faced by online food delivery workers and formulate general guidelines regarding service/wage provisions of these workers in the state.
“An order has been issued announcing the names of the members of the technical committee. There are several complaints against the platforms for exploiting the people who work as delivery staff. Some serious concerns like lack of job security, inconsistent income, lack of benefits, isolation, and inadequate pay need to be addressed, and the government will come out with a set of guidelines,” the officer said.
Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) chairman D Dhanuraj said there should be a balanced approach when it comes to framing laws for the gig workforce, mainly online delivery workers. “Gig work has become a more attractive option for a broader demographic, mainly lower and middle-income groups. It offers a lot of flexibility for both the workers and the companies opting for such workforce. The government, while coming out with the legislation, should ensure that they strike a balance and should not affect the confidence of companies,” he said.
India is one of the world’s top places for gig workers after the United States, China, and Brazil. The gig workforce is expected to grow at a rate of 17 per cent each year, reaching an estimated value of US Dollar 455 billion by 2024. By 2025, it’s predicted that there could be 350 million gig jobs in India.
A recent multi-city survey among the delivery workers of online platforms revealed that the workers face a lot of persisting issues, which include long working hours, low earnings, and a lot of physical and mental stress.
