Initiated by REEE Foundation ( Rural Education Empowerment & Employment) 

Background
India's digital and platform-based economy has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Millions of workers today earn their livelihood as gig and platform workers through app-based companies providing delivery, transportation, logistics, and on-demand services.

These workers play a crucial role in sustaining daily economic activity and public convenience across urban and rural India. Despite this, they continue to work under conditions marked by economic insecurity, lack of legal protection, and absence of social security. 

Key Issues Faced by Gig Workers :

1. Absence of Legal Employment status:
   Gig workers are classified as independent partners rather than employees, resulting in exclusion from basic labour protections such as provident fund, health insurance, paid leave, and pension benefits.
2. No Guaranteed Minimum Income :
   Payment structures and incentives are frequently altered without prior notice. Algorithm-based allocation of work leads to unpredictable earnings, often falling below minimum wage standards despite long working hours.
3. Lack of health and Accident Protection: 
   Work-related accidents are common, especially in delivery and transport services. Medical expenses are borne by workers themselves, and in cases of death or permanent disability, families are left without adequate support.
   
   
4. Arbitrary Account Deactivation:
   Workers’ platform accounts are often deactivated without written explanation, due process, or an effective appeal mechanism, resulting in sudden loss of livelihood.
5. Mental Stress and Exploitation:
   Constant performance ratings, extended working hours, and absence of grievance redressal systems contribute to severe mental and physical stress.

Constitutional and Legal Context:
The current conditions undermine fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, including the right to life with dignity and protection against exploitation.

The Code on Social Security, 2020 formally recognizes gig and platform workers; however, its provisions remain largely unimplemented, depriving workers of meaningful social security.

Demands: We respectfully demandsthe following :

1. Legal guarantee of minimum income for gig workers, aligned with living wage standards.
2. Mandatory accident and health insurance, including coverage for workers’ families.
3. Fair and transparent procedures for account deactivation, including written reasons, hearing, and appeal.
4. Immediate and effective implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020 through clear rules and timelines.
5.  Establishment of Gig Workers Welfare Boards at the national and state levels with worker representation.
6. Transparency in algorithms, pay structures, and incentive systems, preventing arbitrary changes.
7. Accessible grievance redressal mechanisms with time-bound resolution.

Addressed To

• Prime Minister’s Office, Government of India
• Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India
• State Governments
• App-based Platform Companies

Appeal

We believe that sustainable economic growth and digital innovation are only possible when the workers who sustain them are treated with fairness, dignity, and security.

Gig workers are not expendable resources; they are citizens contributing daily to the nation’s progress. Their rights and welfare must be protected through enforceable policy and responsible corporate practices.

Call for Support

Citizens are urged to support this petition and stand in solidarity with gig workers across India

Decent Work is a Fundamental Right
Justice for Gig Workers | Justice for India