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Women Gig Workers Protest At Urban Company’s Bengaluru Office Over New Work Policy

Inc42 · 1y ago

Women Gig Workers Protest At Urban Company’s Bengaluru Office Over New Work Policy

Hundreds of workers affiliated with the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) staged a protest against new work conditions, which they claim are "horrific" and akin to slavery. The union has expressed concerns over the protection guaranteed by various legislations being in conflict with these terms of reference. They have also written a letter to Urban Company CEO, Abhiraj Singh Bhal, outlining their grievances.

Related News

Urban company lured women into the gig economy—then pushed them out

Wired · 1y ago

Urban company lured women into the gig economy—then pushed them out

Urban Company initially attracted women in India to the gig economy by offering flexible work opportunities, but now workers claim it's imposing unrealistic targets and cutting them off. Thousands have been removed from the platform for failing to meet high new targets, indicating a shift towards profit-focused practices and undermining its promise of flexibility. A lot of women depended on the platform for running their homes.

Transport strike hits India's Silicon Valley

Reuters · 1y ago

Transport strike hits India's Silicon Valley

Thousands of Uber and Ola taxis in Bengaluru went on strike to protest a state government scheme offering free transport to women on non-premium government buses, which they claim has hurt their livelihoods. The strike disrupted transportation for commuters, including students and office workers. Bengaluru is a key market for ride-hailing companies in India. The strike prompted some companies to allow employees to work from home, while others advised alternative transportation options.

Urban Company is eyeing profits and an IPO. But gigsters are angry

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Urban Company is eyeing profits and an IPO. But gigsters are angry

Indian gig workers for home services platform Urban Company are protesting new features that reduce their flexibility and autonomy. The company rolled out an "auto acceptance" feature that assigns jobs to workers without giving them the option to accept or reject the bookings. Workers have claimed that this feature has resulted in lower earnings, reduced work-life balance, and increased pressure. They argue that the new system takes away the primary reasons they joined the platform in the first place and has prompted protests against the company's policies.

Benefits for gig workers may trickle in before social security code launch

Economic Times

Economic Times · 11m ago

Benefits for gig workers may trickle in before social security code launch

The government may introduce social security benefits for gig workers ahead of the implementation of the Social Security Code. Some states have already implemented similar provisions in their local laws. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has approached aggregators operating gig work platforms to prepare for extending social security benefits. The ministry will also write to states to expedite the enrollment of platform workers on the e-Shram portal. States like Karnataka, Telangana, and Rajasthan are already offering health insurance and other benefits to gig workers. The NITI Aayog estimates that India's gig worker population will triple by 2029-30. Under the proposed policy, aggregators will contribute 1-2% of their revenue to a social security fund.

Fair representation, transparent contracts: Gig workers' suggestions on Karnataka draft bill

YourStory

YourStory · 1y ago

Fair representation, transparent contracts: Gig workers' suggestions on Karnataka draft bill

Various organizations, including IFAT and Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, have submitted suggestions to the Karnataka government for the draft Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024. The joint submission emphasizes the inclusion of platform worker representatives on the Gig Workers Tripartite Welfare Board, calls for tighter registration norms, fair contracts between aggregators and gig workers, and income security measures. The submission also proposes a welfare fee for gig workers, to be covered by aggregators or customers. The bill aims to protect gig workers' rights and provide dispute resolution mechanisms.

Only Bigbasket, Urban Company guarantee minimum wage for gig workers: Fairwork India report

YourStory

YourStory · 10m ago

Only Bigbasket, Urban Company guarantee minimum wage for gig workers: Fairwork India report

- Only Bigbasket and Urban Company have policies ensuring that their gig workers earn at least the local minimum wage after accounting for work-related costs. - Platforms like Amazon Flex, Bigbasket, BluSmart, Swiggy, and Zomato scored well in providing fair working conditions, including safety equipment, training, and accident insurance. - Bigbasket, BluSmart, Swiggy, Urban Company, Zepto, and Zomato offer clear and accessible contracts to gig workers, with transparency on pricing and advanced notifications of any contract changes. - The lack of formal recognition for worker unions or collectives remains a significant challenge, preventing fair representation and worker voices in decision-making processes. - Upcoming regulatory changes, such as draft bills in Karnataka and Jharkhand, aim to improve gig workers' working conditions and establish social security measures and algorithmic transparency. - Platform companies and industry associations have raised concerns about these changes, citing burdensome provisions and potential negative impacts on their operations.

Dell mandates in-office work for global sales team after laying off over 12,000 employees: Report | Mint

Livemint

Livemint · 10m ago

Dell Technologies is requiring global sales team employees to return to office work five days a week, starting September 30. The move aims to enhance collaboration and skill development, with remote work being viewed as an exception. Field representatives will be expected to spend their time between customer interactions and in-office work, up from the previous requirement of three days in the office. Certain remote workers will be exempt from the new policy. This shift follows Dell's restructuring efforts towards artificial intelligence and amid a broader trend of companies reassessing remote work arrangements.

Karnataka announces cess on transactions conducted through aggregator platforms to support gig workers

Economic Times

Economic Times · 10m ago

Karnataka announces cess on transactions conducted through aggregator platforms to support gig workers

The government of Karnataka plans to impose a new cess on transactions made through aggregator platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, and Uber. The move aims to provide social security to gig workers. The accrued funds will be used for gig workers' welfare. The state government has drafted a bill to protect the rights of platform-based gig workers, which includes obligations on aggregators regarding social security, transparency, and occupational health and safety. Gig work falls outside traditional labor laws in India, and this measure seeks to address that gap.

Ola, Uber and Porter score zero in Fairwork India Ratings 2024

Entrackr

Entrackr · 10m ago

Ola, Uber and Porter score zero in Fairwork India Ratings 2024

Mobility companies Ola, Uber, and logistics firm Porter ranked lowest in working conditions for gig workers, as reported by the Fairwork India Ratings 2024. The report underscores labor standards within India’s platform economy and emphasizes the urgent need to improve conditions for gig workers. The evaluation assessed 11 platforms across various sectors, including logistics, food delivery, and transportation, such as Amazon Flex, Bigbasket, BluSmart, Flipkart, Ola, Porter, Swiggy, Uber, Urban Company, Zepto, and Zomato. The Fairwork India Team, led by the Centre for IT and Public Policy (CITAPP) at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), in collaboration with Oxford University, has released the Fairwork India Ratings 2024. Tata Digital-owned BigBasket has emerged as the top performer in the Fairwork Index, along with Swiggy, Urban Company, and Zomato, each scoring 6 points. Notably, no platform scored more than 6 out of the maximum 10 points, and none fully met all five principles: Fair Pay, Fair Conditions, Fair Contract, Fair Management, and Fair Representation. The report further highlights that only BigBasket and Urban Company earned the first point under Fair Pay for implementing a minimum wage policy, ensuring that all workers earn at least the local minimum wage after work-related costs. In the 2023 Fairwork Ratings, BigBasket topped the list with a score of 6 out of 10, followed by BluSmart, Swiggy, Urban Company, and Zomato, each scoring 5. Zepto received 4 points, Flipkart scored 3, Amazon Flex scored 2, while Dunzo and Uber scored 1. Ola and Porter received zero points, reflecting significant gaps in working conditions for gig workers. BigBasket, which topped the Fairwork ratings, recently announced its full transition into quick commerce. Meanwhile, Swiggy is preparing for its stock market debut. Urban Company, which led the rankings in 2022, has recently been in the news for multiple secondary offerings and ESOP buybacks. Zomato, noted for its valuation, is currently India’s most valued tech company, with a market capitalization nearing $30 billion.

'Insta Maids' is now 'Insta Help': Urban Company changes qcomm service name after netizens react

Economic Times

Economic Times · 5m ago

'Insta Maids' is now 'Insta Help': Urban Company changes qcomm service name after netizens react

Urban Company has renamed its 15-minute house-help booking service from ‘Insta Maids’ to ‘Insta Help’ after facing backlash on social media and criticism from employee unions over its work model. The name change reflects a commitment to dignity and respect, aiming to uplift the traditionally unorganised industry. Despite offering earnings up to Rs 150-180 per hour, criticisms highlight issues like the low starting rate and exploitation of gig workers, questioning the service's impact on working conditions.

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