The proposed Bill, slated for introduction in the next legislative session, aims to establish a legal framework for gig worker welfare.
Published Aug 08, 2024 | 12:52 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 08, 2024 | 1:26 PM
A delivery person. (Creative Commons)
In a significant move for the growing gig economy in Kerala, the state government on Thursday, 8 August, announced a two-pronged approach to improve the lives of gig workers.
Labour Minister V Sivankutty unveiled plans for a comprehensive Kerala State Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2024 and the construction of a model rest centre in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
The proposed Bill, slated for introduction in the next legislative session hoped to be convened in October, aims to establish a legal framework for gig worker welfare.
The frameworks include regulating work standards, service charges, and the duties of platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Uber, Ola, Flipkart, and Amazon.
Addressing a meeting of stakeholders, the other day, Sivankutty acknowledged the crucial role gig workers play in the modern service sector.
He emphasised the challenges these workers face due to the lack of a traditional employer-employee relationship.
Citing a survey by Janpahal, a Delhi-based NGO, the minister shared concerning statistics.
According to the minister, the proposed Bill aims to address these issues and will provide gig workers with:
Recognising the immediate needs of gig workers, the government announced the construction of a model rest centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
This facility will provide gig workers with a much-needed space to rest and access basic amenities, like toilets, which are currently unavailable.
On 5 August, the state government formed a 26-member technical committee with the Labour Commissioner as its chairperson and Additional Labour Commissioner as convenor to study the problems faced by gig workers.
The committee includes members who are employed in Zomato and Swiggy, including Zomato CEO.
The Kerala government had informed in June the Assembly that it is working on legislation to address the issues faced by gig workers. An announcement in this regard was made during the discussion on the ‘Kerala Gig, Platform Workers’ Welfare Fund Bill, 2024, a private members’ Bill introduced by MLA Dr N Jayaraj.
Introducing the Bill, Jayaraj highlighted that the gig sector employs thousands of young individuals who encounter several labour rights issues.
He emphasised the urgent need for legal protections and proposed the establishment of a welfare fund board to support these workers.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
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