Labour unions throughout India united with the international 'Make Amazon Pay' campaign during Black Friday, organizing widespread demonstrations against the employment practices of gig and app-based platforms operating in the country.
New Labour Codes Bring Hope and Skepticism
This mobilization occurs shortly after the implementation of new labour codes that, for the first time in Indian history, extend social security coverage to gig workers. While union leaders have acknowledged this positive step, they express significant concerns about the speed and effectiveness of actual implementation.
The Social Security Code explicitly recognises gig workers and speaks of social security benefits specifically for them. However, the other three Codes do not meaningfully address the realities of gig and platform work, stated Nitesh Kumar Das, Organising Secretary of the Gig Workers Association.
Das further explained that although the Union Government has started developing schemes—including providing loans through Common Interest Groups and establishing a dedicated portal for platform workers on the e-Shram platform—the overall regulatory structure still lacks enforceable accountability measures for aggregator companies.
Demanding Comprehensive Worker Protection
Rajesh Upadhyay, Convenor of the National Alliance for Labour Rights and Working People's Coalition, expressed hope that the Social Security Code's enactment would prompt the government to act swiftly in creating a strong accountability framework. This system would mandate that aggregator companies collect cess contributions specifically for worker welfare programs.
Laxman Mane, general secretary of the Platform App Based And Other Commerce Workers Union, emphasized that all labour codes must apply to gig workers, not just the Social Security Code. He argued that platform workers deserve comprehensive benefits including provident fund contributions, health insurance coverage, fair wages, and occupational health and safety protections.
Mane drew parallels to factory workers, who receive coverage for workplace injuries, suggesting that platform companies should similarly cover ailments and injuries sustained by gig workers while performing their duties on the road.
The Critical Need for Worker Status Recognition
Mane stressed that these essential rights can only apply to individuals classified as workers—not those labeled as partners—making a fundamental change in terminology and the contractual relationship between workers and platforms absolutely necessary.
He criticized the practice of hiring workers through short-term contracts via third-party agencies, arguing that this arrangement effectively shields platforms from legal responsibilities concerning fair compensation and social benefits.
Upadhyay highlighted several ongoing challenges faced by workers, including arbitrary ID blocking without explanation opportunities, unreasonable penalties, exploitative algorithms, unfair income and surcharge distribution, and one-sided consumer rating systems. He expressed hope for concrete governmental action addressing these issues within the next six months.
