Traditional Labor Markets vs. Gig Economy Exploitation
Traditional "mazdoor mandis" involve daily auctions of labor, where workers are desperate and wages are driven down.
"Thekedaars" (middlemen) exploit workers for maximum profit.
The gig economy replicates this exploitation digitally, using platforms to act as virtual "thekedaars."
Platforms offer "choice" but shift all responsibility away from workers.
Digital platforms atomize workers, preventing collective bargaining.
Algorithms control wages and conditions, maximizing platform profits.
Worker Conditions and Demands
Gig workers face harsh conditions, including long hours, physical strain, and pressure for positive ratings.
"Insta Maids" exemplify extreme exploitation with very low hourly wages
This service offers a house help within 15 minutes to clean utensils and sweep the house for “₹49 an hour”.
Workers demand rights, fair wages, and recognition as humans, not slaves.
Workers slogans show their need for rights over ratings.
Legislative Efforts and Opposition
Workers in Rajasthan achieved a limited breakthrough with legislation for social security, data access, and grievance redress.
The current government has stalled the implementation of this legislation.
Efforts to pass similar legislation in Karnataka and Telangana have faced strong opposition from aggregator companies and industry associations (NASSCOM, CII).
Aggregators argue gig workers are "partners," not employees, and oppose worker rights and protections.
Platform founders engage in hypocritical PR, claiming to support workers while opposing legislation that would protect them.
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