South Asia Labour Resources: India: Is disruption ahead for the gig economy?

Monday, February 7, 2022

India: Is disruption ahead for the gig economy? | Pramit Bhattacharya

Is disruption ahead for the gig economy?

Platforms got enormous goodwill by serving their urban clientele. But as wages decline and discontent rises, they’re at risk of being seen as ruthless hiring agents

Gig economy platforms say they revolutionised work. But many worker groups say they tramped on workers rights and exploited them. (PTI) — Gig economy platforms say they revolutionised work. But many worker groups say they tramped on workers rights and exploited them. (PTI)

Published on Feb 07, 2022 07:33 PM IST

When they first entered our lives, gig economy platforms seemed to herald an urban revolution. A few taps on the phone was all it took to get food from restaurants that were miles away (through Swiggy or Zomato) or to book an instant ride (through Ola or Uber). These apps seemed to be able to deliver on-demand services even while liberating drivers and delivery persons from the drudgery of a fixed routine. Platforms were solving our unmet needs while creating flexible well paying gigs for a growing army of workers.

[ . . . ] https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/is-disruption-ahead-for-the-gig-economy-101644242393827.html