They are urging the Maharashtra government to pass an act that protects gig workers from exploitation and provides them with social security and welfare benefits.
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Pune: In a bid to secure their rights and demand organised labour laws, Cab and rickshaw drivers, as well as delivery personnel associated with popular service sector companies such as Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, and Urban Company, have announced a strike in Pune on Wednesday, Oct 25. The strike, called by the committee ‘Indian Gig Workers Front,’ aims to address various demands put forth by the workers. They are urging the Maharashtra government to pass an act that protects gig workers from exploitation and provides them with social security and welfare benefits.
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According to multiple reports, Keshav Kshirsagar, a member of the “Indian Gig Workers Front” committee, emphasised the need for Maharashtra to pass a law similar to the “Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Act, 2023”, which has been pivotal in safeguarding the interests of gig workers in Rajasthan.
The proposed legislation aims to provide essential social security measures and benefits to the workforce, with provisions for the establishment of a “Platform-Based Gig Workers Fund and Welfare Fee”. This fund is designated to raise resources to support the social security and welfare of gig workers.
They also demand a strong support system during their shifts, a fair investigative process before imposing penalties, and the reinstatement of previous charges for services. Rickshaw pullers call for an immediate halt to platform fees and the calculation of waiting fees based on meters, bridging the affordability gap between cab and rickshaw services.
Top Demands of Cab Drivers:
- The base rates of cabs should also be fixed similar to the rickshaw taxi meters.
- Companies like Everest Fleet etc should not ruin the everyday business of common cab drivers and should bring the said fleet under immediate control, as per Pune Pulse.
- Not to steal outstation trips of common cab drivers by appointing private vendors.
- Effective online or offline support systems/mechanisms should be created to solve any problem faced by the drivers during the trip.
- Before taking any action like blocking ID or imposing fine on any driver, the passenger’s complaint should be investigated and brokers appointed for unblocking ID should be found and action should be taken against them. ID should not be blocked by allowing forgery.Pick-up charges, waiting charges,
- passenger cancellation charges, night charges should be as before.
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Top Demands of Food / Parcel Delivery Persons:
- Order rates should be uniform for all and should be increased by at least 50%.
- There should be a mechanism to resolve delivery persons’ problems. The team leader must resolve the problems on priority.
- There should be no difference between the distance shown on the phone and the actual distance. Also, the evasion/deceiving of the last order, done to prevent the delivery person from getting incentive should be stopped, as per Pune Pulse.
- Before taking any action like blocking ID or imposing penalty on any delivery boy, the customer’s complaint should be verified, if it is the fault of the hotel, it should not be blamed on the delivery person. ID should not be blocked by giving false reasons.
- There should be a facility to get minimum wages per day and compensation should be given if it is received.
Rajasthan becomes 1st state to enforce Gig Workers Registration and Welfare Act
Rajasthan has become the first state in India to enforce the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Registration and Welfare Act, 2023. This act establishes a comprehensive legal framework to regulate and support the growing gig economy workforce. The bill was introduced in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on July 21, 2023, and passed on July 24, 2023.
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This landmark act sets a precedent for addressing the unique challenges faced by gig workers. Its main objective is to provide gig workers with essential benefits and social security, ensuring their protection with minimal investment. The act extends labour guarantees to gig workers employed through platforms like Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Urban Company, and others.
