He highlighted that it was the duty of the parliamentarians to stand with the workers and push for meaningful change.
Published Dec 04, 2024 | 3:10 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 04, 2024 | 3:15 PM
Manickam Tagore speaking during Lok Sabha session.
Tamil Nadu Congress leader and Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday, 4 December, brought to the notice of the Lok Sabha Speaker the immediate need for legislation to ensure the safety of gig workers across the country.
The Congress leader, during the discussion of matters of urgent public importance, highlighted the plight of gig workers who work in an environment that lacks proper safety measures, job security and other benefits.
He specifically pointed out the working conditions of Amazon India warehouse staff and delivery drivers.
“Today, I rise to bring attention to the plight of gig economy workers, particularly those at Amazon India, including warehouse staff and delivery drivers, who are protesting against unfair wages and unsafe working conditions. These workers, the backbone of a global giant, earn as little as ₹10,000 a month while enduring long hours and immense pressure,” he said.
Tagore noted that even though the company promised some benefits for the workers, the reality was different.
“Amazon claims to offer benefits like Provident Fund and insurance, but the reality is far from these promises. The ongoing protests during the Black Friday event underscore the growing inequality in our economy and the exploitation faced by these workers,” he said.
“In the words of Rahul Gandhi Ji, ‘India cannot progress while its workers remain exploited. Corporations must prioritise people over profits. Justice for workers is not just a demand; it is a necessity for a fair and just society’,” the Virudhunagar MP noted.
He highlighted that it was the duty of the parliamentarians to stand with the workers and push for meaningful change.
“Hon’ble Speaker, we urgently need legislation to protect gig economy workers, ensuring fair wages, job security, and social benefits. This is not merely a labour issue — it is a moral and human rights issue,” Tagore said.
“Let us act decisively and send a clear message: exploitation has no place in our economy. Together, let us build an India that treats its workers with dignity and respect,” he added.
In November, several gig workers who South First spoke to highlighted the hardships they faced on the job.
The gig workers, especially delivery persons, noted that fixed benefits like health insurance and paid leave were there. They also highlighted the absence of a consistent income, which made it difficult for them to make ends meet.
A 2024 report emphasised that many unskilled workers in Chennai find it difficult to save or invest in skill development due to high living costs and limited incomes.
A 2023 report from the Ministry of Labour and Employment indicated that over 78 percent of unskilled workers in Tamil Nadu are employed in informal or contract roles, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
The Economic Survey 2024 emphasised the pressing challenge of skill shortages among India’s young population, where approximately 65 percent are under 35 years old.
This demography holds significant potential for economic growth, yet many lack the requisite skills for a modern workforce. The Economic Survey highlighted a critical need to create around 7.85 million non-farm jobs annually to meet the demands of this burgeoning population, especially as many unskilled workers transition from agriculture to urban settings.
Another report suggested that the gig economy has emerged as a temporary solution for many, but the lack of stable job opportunities exacerbates their vulnerability.
According to research by the Centre for Labour Studies, Tamil Nadu has a significant proportion of its workforce in the informal sector, which encompasses a wide array of occupations but lacks adequate protections under existing labour laws.
Tamil Nadu has witnessed substantial growth in high-value jobs in the electronics sector, with over 25 lakh jobs created recently. However, the vulnerabilities faced by unskilled workers remain unchanged.
“Today, Tamil Nadu offers a wealth of job opportunities, and I have personally conducted awareness sessions for several labour groups to help them access these roles,” CV Ganesan, Tamil Nadu’s Minister of Labour said.
“However, it’s essential to remember that jobs are provided based on qualifications to ensure the right match. Our Chief Minister MK Stalin has also actively expanded these opportunities, even building valuable connections abroad to benefit our workforce,” the minister added.
