The Gig Economy in India
Unions, Strikes and Collective Voice
Gig workers have organised through unions and strikes to demand fair pay, transparency and safety.
Because gig workers are scattered, they find it hard to organise.
Why it is hard
Workers do not share a workplace, and app-based work discourages contact.
New unions
Groups of delivery workers and drivers have formed unions and associations.
Strikes
Workers have stopped work over pay cuts, commission increases and safety.
Digital organising
Messaging groups and social media help workers coordinate.
A pay-cut protest
Riders log off together for a day after an incentive scheme is reduced.
Assuming gig workers cannot organise
They increasingly do.
Key takeaways
- Scattered work makes organising hard.
- Unions have emerged.
- Strikes target pay and rules.
- Messaging apps help coordination.
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