The strike by gig and platform workers on December 31 highlighted the depth of dissatisfaction among workers who form a crucial segment in an emerging pillar of the Indian economy. These are not the only challenges faced by gig workers — the absence of paid leave, health insurance, accident cover and retirement benefits leaves workers vulnerable to economic shocks. Incidentally, the notification of four new labour codes in November 2025 marked the first formal recognition of gig and platform workers within India’s labour law framework. Encouragingly, these introduced legal definitions for gig workers, platform workers and aggregators, and mandated that platforms contribute a share of their annual turnover towards a social security fund. The Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024 demonstrates the feasibility of welfare boards, dedicated funds, mandatory notice and reasons for termination, and defined grievance-redressal timelines.

Source: The Telegraph January 02, 2026 02:07 UTC