On October 31, the day of Deepavali, the first union of women gig workers who operate for platforms and aggregators, the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), India, has demanded a “digital strike”.
On the day, the Union has urged gig workers to turn off their phones and practice “digital silence.” The strike would take place all over the nation, including in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, among other places, reported by The Hindu.
Their requests
Among GIPSWU’s demands are respect of workers’ rights to associate and collective bargaining, recognition of gig workers as employees of platform companies, decent working conditions, application of statutory minimum wages, creation of grievance redressal systems for workers, etc.
The Union has also insisted that the Central and State governments act to control gig economy employment through labour laws, extend social security entitlements including EPF, employees’ pension scheme and more and make the Maternity Benefits Act relevant to the industry.
Different gig workers’ unions have been identifying problems including exclusion of workers from basic worker entitlements and lack of regulating systems for the wellbeing of workers.
To bring workers together
“In light of these challenges, GIPSWU’s digital strike seeks to unite gig workers and allies in demanding recognition of their rights,” said a release from the Union.
Selvi, a union officebearer from Bengaluru, noted, “They say we are free to work whenever we want, but it’s a lie. We are going on strike to show everyone how bad things are for us.”
Delhi GIPSWU head Seema Singh said that although some employees celebrate Deepavali and so intend to use the festival day to spread awareness on the same, others are fighting for their rights.
