The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: In an attempt to highlight the poor conditions of work in the ever-expanding gig economy, a Delhi-based workers’ union, the Gig and Platform Workers Union (GIPSWU), gave a call to all gig workers for a “digital strike” this Diwali (October 31).
The GIPSWU, which says it is the first women-led gig workers’ union in India, urged all gig workers to switch off their phones, go on a “digital silence” and share pictures of them with their families on social media.
It said that such a call was made to paralyse companies during the festive season and make their employers realise that they “are nothing without their hard work”.
“We’re treated like slaves; working hard but getting nothing in return. They say we’re free to work whenever we want, but that’s just a lie. We’re going on strike to show everyone how bad things are for us. We hope you’ll see what we’re going through and support our first-ever digital strike,” Selvi, a union leader from Bangalore, said.
The GIPSWU has been raising awareness about the exclusion of gig workers from regular worker entitlements such as minimum wages, health and safety protections, grievance redressal mechanisms, employment regulation and social security.
“Recent reports highlight the alarming reality of gig workers facing harassment, discrimination and even violence while performing their duties. In light of these challenges, GIPSWU’s Digital Strike seeks to unite gig workers and allies in demanding recognition of their rights,” the union said.
It has also been demanding a tighter legal framework for the protection of gig workers that provides social security provisions such as access to the Employees’ Provident Fund, the Employees’ Pension and the Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance Schemes, as well as maternity entitlements.
The “digital strike”, according to the union, is a step forward in demanding dignified working conditions for gig workers and their right to form unions and associations as platforms for collective bargaining with their employers.
“While others are celebrating with fireworks and joy, we’re making our own kind of noise – a protest that echoes our struggles. This Diwali, we’re using our voices to light a fire under those in power and we hope that the people see the reality of our struggles and join our fight,” said Nisha Panwar, a leader from Maharashtra.
Seema Singh, a GIPSWU leader from Delhi, remarked, “While others are celebrating Diwali, we are fighting for our basic rights. We are using this festival to raise awareness about the struggles we face.”
“Together, let’s shine a light on the struggles of gig workers this Diwali,” the GIPSWU said in a statement.