Categories: Labour rights

New study unveils gig workers’ challenges: long hours, no breaks, unfair pay

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

In India’s bustling gig economy, where convenience and efficiency reign supreme, a recent study has shed light on the harsh realities faced by app-based cab drivers and delivery workers. The findings paint a vivid picture of the struggles endured by these workers, encompassing grueling work hours, economic disparities, challenges with company policies, and struggles for time off.

Working Conditions and Hours

The backbone of the gig economy, app-based cab drivers and delivery workers, often find themselves toiling away for long hours, striving to meet the demands of their jobs. Astonishingly, the study reveals that nearly 83% of cab drivers and a significant portion of delivery workers exceed the 10-hour mark daily. Moreover, approximately a third of these workers stretch their working hours beyond 14 hours each day. Such prolonged hours not only take a toll on their physical well-being but also increase the risk of road accidents due to fatigue and exhaustion.

Economic Disparities and Financial Struggles

Behind the veneer of convenience lies a stark reality of economic disparity. The study underscores how social inequalities are replicated in gig work, with workers from Scheduled Castes and Tribes bearing the brunt of long working hours. Despite their relentless efforts, many workers find themselves grappling with financial woes. For instance, over 43% of participants reported earning less than Rs 500 a day after deducting expenses, barely enough to sustain their livelihoods. Moreover, a significant portion of delivery workers struggle to make ends meet, earning less than Rs 10,000 a month. These dismal figures perpetuate cycles of poverty within affected communities, exacerbating the already-existing social disparities.

Challenges with Company Policies and Compensation

While striving to navigate the challenges of their daily work routines, app-based workers encounter further hurdles in the form of company policies and compensation structures. Dissatisfaction looms large among workers, particularly regarding the fares and rates provided by app-based companies. Many workers feel that the commission rates deducted per ride are disproportionately high, eroding their earnings significantly. Additionally, the pressure to adhere to stringent delivery timelines, such as the ’10-minute delivery at the doorstep’ policy, exacerbates stress levels and contributes to overall dissatisfaction among workers.

Struggles for Time Off and Issues with ID Deactivation

Amidst the relentless grind, the prospect of time off remains a distant dream for many gig workers. A significant portion of them finds themselves unable to take even a single day off in a week, further exacerbating their physical and mental strain. Moreover, the report highlights the pervasive issue of ID deactivation, with a large percentage of workers experiencing negative impacts due to this practice. Such challenges underscore the urgent need for better regulation and support for gig workers to ensure their well-being and fair treatment.

The plight of app-based gig workers in India demands immediate attention and action. As they continue to be the backbone of the gig economy, it is imperative to address the systemic issues that perpetuate their hardships and advocate for policies that prioritize their well-being and fair treatment.

About Senior Reporter

With over more than 6 years of writing obituaries for the local paper, Senior Reporter has a uniquely strong voice that shines through in his newest collection of essays and articles, which explores the importance we place on the legacy.

Senior Reporter

With over more than 6 years of writing obituaries for the local paper, Senior Reporter has a uniquely strong voice that shines through in his newest collection of essays and articles, which explores the importance we place on the legacy.

Recent Posts

Bihar Government Hikes DA to 55% for State Employees

In a major financial relief to government staff and pensioners, the Bihar government has sanctioned an increase in Dearness Allowance…

May 17, 2025

Canada’s Skilled Foreign Workers Face Deportation Under Stricter TFW Rules

The skilled foreign workforce in Canada now faces increased uncertainty after new regulations for the TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)…

May 17, 2025

Infosys, Wipro Boost Median Salaries by 30% Since FY21

India’s largest IT companies, Infosys and Wipro, have seen a significant rise in median employee pay, a rise of 30%…

May 17, 2025

Trump Turns to Supreme Court to Advance Federal Layoff Agenda

President Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an injunction from a lower court blocking mass systemic…

May 17, 2025

Ontario’s Mega Budget: $232.5B to Shield Jobs, Combat Tariffs and Foster Unity

Ontario is introducing a record setting budget of $232.5 billion focused on protecting jobs within the context of economic uncertainty…

May 16, 2025

West Bengal State Employees to Receive 25% DA Following Supreme Court Verdict

Dearness Allowance is an adjustment for the cost of living for professionals and pensioners employed by the government to allow…

May 16, 2025