Plight of Delivery Workers in India’s Gig Economy: A Call for Systemic Reform

GS-2: Plight of delivery workers in India’s gig economy,  Measures needed to protect rights and ensure fair treatment of gig workers, etc.

What allows companies to keep workers casual, celebrating ‘partners’ for PR purposes while ignoring protests demanding basic rights?

Worker Conditions

Heatwave Impact: Workers endure extreme heat; customers are asked to offer water to delivery personnel.

Lack of Support: Companies like Blinkit, Zomato, Zepto, and Swiggy provide no hazard pay or assistance.

Low Wages: Amazon warehouse workers earn less than Rs 11,000 per month.

Inhuman Treatment: Workers are forced to take an oath not to drink water or use the toilet until targets are met, violating labour laws.

Comparison with Global Practices

Jeff Bezos: Amazon founder’s wealth is nearly $200 billion.

Labour Exploitation: Similar inhuman treatment of Amazon workers in the US and India.

Partnership Model: Companies like Uber use a “partnership” model to avoid providing job security and benefits.

Innovation and Inequality

Guaranteed Deliveries: Companies rely on a vast labour force for sorting, sourcing, and delivery.

Gig Workers: Lack job security, benefits, and recourse when mistreated.

Economic Disparity: Gig workers’ low wages prevent them from affording the products they deliver.

Capitalism Critique “Historical Comparison”

Henry Ford: Innovated assembly lines and ensured workers could afford the products they made.

Modern Plutocrats: Innovators like Bezos lack similar concern for workers’ wages.

Labour Market Dynamics in India

Abundance of Cheap Labour: Desperation for employment leads to acceptance of any available work.

Gig Work vs. Jobs: Gig work provides employment but lacks the stability and benefits of traditional jobs.

Economic Theories: Some economists argue that any work is better than no work and that economic growth will address dignity and decency issues over time.

Role of the State and Society

Historical Norms: The fight for the eight-hour workday in the late 19th century led to labour laws to prevent exploitation.

Constitutional Rights: Dignity and equality are fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution.

Economic Desperation: Should not justify degrading treatment of workers.

Conclusion

Real change for gig workers requires systemic reforms, not superficial PR gestures. Ensuring dignity and fair treatment is essential for sustainable economic and social well-being.