3. CONTENTS
● Introduction to Gig Economy.
● India’s Gig Sector.
● Gig Economy Background and its Future.
● Challenges faced in Gig Economy.
● How is Gig Economy disrupting Traditional Employment models?
● Labor code for Gig Economy.
● Future of Women in Gig Economy.
● Who are Platform Workers?
● Platform Economy Operators.
● Issues faced by Platform Workers.
● How can platform workers rights be protected?
● Case Study.
● Conclusion.
4. The gig economy is the economic system by which a workforce of people
(known as gig workers) engage in freelance and side hustle work. The gig
economy is composed of corporate entities, workers and consumers.
Gig has various meanings in English, but it has two modern meanings: any
paid job or role, and any job, especially one that is temporary . A gig
economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common
and organizations contract with independent workers for short term period.
The Internal Revenue Service defines the gig economy as "activity where
people earn income providing on demand work, services or goods", noting
that the activity is often facilitated through a digital platform such as a
mobile app or website and earnings may be in the form of "cash, property,
goods, or virtual currency“.
INTRODUCTION TO GIG ECONOMY
6. • India’s gig workface comprises 15 million workers employed across industries such as software, shared services
and professional services.
• An estimated 56 of new employment in India is being generated by gig economy companies across both the
blue collar and white collar workforce.
• The gig economy can serve up to 90 million job opportunities in India with a potential to 1.25 to the GDP over the
long term.
• As per Niti Aayog’s report ‘India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy’ estimates that nearly 23.5 million workers
will be engaged in the gig economy by 2029.
• For example: Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Ola, freelancer etc…
INDIA’S GIG SECTOR
8. GIG ECONOMY BACKGROUND AND ITS FUTURE
• In the 2000s, the digital transformation of the economy and industry developed rapidly due to the development of
information and communication technologies such as the Internet and the popularization of smartphones. As a
result, on demand platforms based on digital technology have created jobs and employment forms that are
differentiated from existing offline transactions by the level of accessibility, convenience and price competitiveness.
• The future of the gig economy is likely to continue evolving, with a greater focus on flexibility, technology
integration, and regulation. We may see more specialized platforms catering to niche services, improved worker
protections, and increased adoption of remote work models. However, challenges such as labor rights, income
instability, and regulatory issues will also need to be addressed.
9. CHALLENGES IN GIG ECONOMY
( Hitesha & Kamraj Case )
( Imposition of law )
( On our own )
10. HOW IS GIG ECONOMY DISRUPTING TRADITIONAL
EMPLOYMENT MODELS?
GIG ECONOMY
FLEXIBILITY
( Geographical
area)
CHANGING
WORK
APPROACH
DIVERSE
OPPURTUNIT-
-IES
LABOR
MARKET
( COST CUT )
ENTERPREN-
-EURIAL
SPIRIT
CONTRACTU--
-AL NATURE
( Temporary )
11. LABOUR CODE FOR GIG ECONOMY
• Code on Social Security 2020 Provisions for Gig
Platform Workers. The code mandates compulsory
registration of both gig and platform workers on an
online portal to avail benefits under the Code which
shall be specified by the Central Government.
12. FUTURE OF WOMEN IN GIG ECONOMY
• Globally, the gender differences in participation of women in the gig economy differ. For example, in the United
States, female gig workers make up 55 of the gig work population.In India, 28% of the gig workforce
consists of women
• The Gig Economy in India has emerged as a catalyst for women’s empowerment, providing flexible work
opportunities. Women, often constrained by traditional roles, can now access diverse jobs through digital platforms,
fostering financial independence.
13. WHO ARE PLATFORM WORKERS
A platform worker is an individual who performs work or provides services
through an online platform or digital marketplace, often connecting with clients
or customers through a website or mobile app. These workers typically use their
own equipment and set their own hours, working on a task by task or project
by project basis. Platform work spans various sectors, including transportation
(ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft), accommodation (rental platforms like
Airbnb), freelance services (such as Upwork or Freelancer), and many others.
14. PLATFORM ECONOMY OPERATORS
Broadly, the platform economy operates through two business models, Crowdwork and 'Work on demand via
apps’.
• Crowdworkers operate online through platforms that connect vast numbers of clients, organizations, and
businesses across borders.
• On the other hand, 'work on demand via apps' refers to place based and geographically limited work,
facilitated by platforms.
16. HOW CAN PLATFORM WORKERS RIGHTS BE PROTECTED?
• Creating a New Legal Category. ( Multiple intermediaries )
• Collective Bargaining. ( Leverage in negotiations )
• Access to Benefits. ( Regulations & Initiatives )
• Fair Wages. ( Disclosure )
• Protection against Discrimination. ( Policies )
• Regulation and Enforcement. ( Labor laws )
17. CASE STUDY
• Z omato and Swiggy are leading food delivery platforms in India, operating within the gig economy model.
Founded in 2008 and 2014 respectively, these platforms connect restaurants with customers through a digital
platform, enabling on demand food delivery services.
THE SITUATION:
• The outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 presented unprecedented challenges for Z omato, Swiggy, and
their gig workers. Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and safety concerns disrupted normal operations and
led to shifts in consumer behavior and market dynamics.
Challenges Faced by Z omato, Swiggy, and Gig Workers:
1. Safety Concerns.
2. Income Stability.
3. Healthcare and Benefits.
Z omato and Swiggy's Response and Strategies:
1. Safety Protocols
2. Financial Assistance
3. Community Support
18. • Z omato, Swiggy, and their gig workers played a crucial role in ensuring food access and delivery services during the
COVID 19 pandemic. By prioritizing worker safety, providing financial assistance, and fostering community support,
these platforms demonstrated their commitment to supporting gig workers and adapting to changing circumstances in
the gig economy.
• This case study illustrates how Z omato, Swiggy, and their gig workers navigated the challenges posed by the COVID
19 pandemic, highlighting their response strategies and efforts to support workers amidst unprecedented disruptions in
the gig economy.
19. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the gig economy and platform workers represent a transformative shift in the way people work and
engage in economic activity. Offering flexibility, autonomy, and access to diverse opportunities, the gig economy enables
individuals to monetize their skills and services on a temporary, on demand basis. However, challenges such as income
instability, lack of benefits, and regulatory uncertainties persist, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to ensure
fair treatment, worker protections, and social welfare within this evolving ecosystem.
Overall, the gig economy and platform workers will continue to evolve and shape the future of work, requiring ongoing
adaptation, innovation, and dialogue to address the needs and concerns of all stakeholders involved. By fostering a
balance between flexibility and security, the gig economy has the potential to create opportunities for individuals to
thrive in the digital age while contributing to economic growth and innovation.