Gig and Platform Workers

Flexibility: Key characteristic is the flexibility in working hours and choice of assignments, appealing to many for supplementary income or autonomy.

Independent Contractors: Often classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which traditionally exempts them from standard labour protections like minimum wage, social security, and collective bargaining rights.

Digital Platforms: Work is primarily facilitated through digital platforms that act as intermediaries between workers and consumers, managing payments, ratings, and task allocation.

Lack of Social Security: Historically, gig and platform workers lacked access to traditional social security benefits like provident fund, health insurance, and paid leave, leading to economic insecurity.

Income Volatility: Income can be irregular and unpredictable, depending on demand, platform algorithms, and competition.

Regulatory Challenges: Governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate this new form of work, balancing innovation with worker protection.

Inclusion in New Codes: India's Code on Social Security, 2020 is a pioneering legislation globally to explicitly define and include gig and platform workers within the ambit of social security, albeit with specific provisions.

Definition: The code defines a 'gig worker' as a person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship, and a 'platform worker' as a person engaged in a work arrangement where they access organizations or individuals through an online platform to provide services or solve specific problems.

Social Security Fund: The code mandates the creation of a dedicated social security fund for gig and platform workers, with contributions from platforms.