These factsheets have been produced by a group of interns who have joined the WageIndicator gig team as part of the WageIndicator Internship Programme.
India’s Gig Economy: The Future of Work
India’s Gig Economy: The Future of Work
At a glance
India's gig economy is booming, driven by digital platforms and changing work preferences. It offers flexibility and opportunity, but also poses challenges such as income instability, lack of social security and concerns about workers' rights. The government is taking steps to regulate the sector and provide social protection for gig workers, but much remains to be done.
Did you know?
The Gig & Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) announced a worker’s strike on 31st October, 2024 for better inclusion and safety measure.
Executive chairman of LinkedIn predicted the disappearance of the traditional 9-to-5 jobs by 2034.
23.5Mn
gig workers by 2029-30
1.28 Mn
youth went job hunting in India in 2024
Challenges
- Social security schemes like pensions, health insurance, and unemployment benefits still do not cover gig workers.
- Even with low entry barriers, gig work frequently offers inadequate compensation and benefits, preventing the unemployment rate from declining.
- The expanding platform economy has introduced gender-specific roles, often channeling women into marginalized or traditionally undervalued sectors, thus amplifying disparities in pay based on gender.
One step forward!
Delivery Partner Well-being Framework
Zomato has introduced a Delivery Partner Wellbeing Framework, which is a significant step towards improving the well-being of gig workers.
Swiggy ties up with PharmEasy
Swiggy is reportedly planning to expand into quick online pharmacy deliver with online medical delivery PharmEasy.
Zepto’s fundraising
Quick commerce startup Zepto is in advanced talks to raise $100 million in new investment, according to a report by TechCrunch. This will be the company’s third round of fundraising in just six months.
Regulation Racing to Keep Up
The Karnataka government has introduced a new fee on transactions conducted through aggregator platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber, and others to fund social security measures for gig workers.
Uber Eats : Expanding Beyond Food- Case Study
Uber Eats in South Africa is expanding its services beyond food to include non-food items such as comfort clothing to meet growing consumer demand.
CHALLENGES
Expanding Uber Eats in South Africa to include non-food items presents a number of challenges. Operating costs increase due to the need for additional logistics and partnerships with non-food retailers. There are also supply chain complexities, as handling different goods requires different processes than food delivery.
SOLUTIONS
Uber Eats uses innovative strategies to ensure smooth delivery of a diverse range of products and to meet the evolving needs of South African consumers. Here are some of the solutions:
- Advanced Logistics
- Service Diversification
- Partnership Expansion
BENEFITS
Consumer Convenience Offering both food and non-food items on the same platform provides greater convenience for consumers, making Uber Eats a one-stop-shop for various needs.
Job Creation This expansion creates additional gig work opportunities for delivery drivers and support roles, strengthening the gig economy in South Africa.
Increased Revenue Streams By expanding beyond food, Uber Eats is tapping into the growing online retail market and opening up new revenue opportunities.
Key metrics
As Uber Eats continues to expand its offerings beyond food in South Africa, it's important to track the platform's growth and impact in the market. Key metrics will help gauge the success of this shift, and the overall impact of the gig economy in the region.
2million
Deliveries per month
< 30%
Market Share
US Gig Workers: A Rising Force Amid Elections and Street Protests
At a glance
The U.S. gig economy continues to expand, with 3.8% of Bank of America's customers earning through platforms like ride-hailing, particularly among Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. However, gig workers face challenges, including limited access to benefits like healthcare and retirement plans, and significant pay disparities, especially for women. California’s AB 5 law is pushing for better protections, while the 2024 election raised discussions on classifying gig workers as employees to grant benefits such as overtime pay.
Challenges
U.S. gig workers lack key benefits like health insurance and pensions, with just 22% in employer retirement plans and 24% uninsured. Women face added challenges, including undervalued roles, pay gaps, and job instability. The 2024 U.S. election spotlighted gig workers' lack of labour protections. A proposed rule aimed to classify many gig workers as employees, granting benefits like overtime pay, sparking debates over flexibility versus fair compensation.
Trends
The U.S. gig economy continues to grow, with 3.8% of Bank of America's customers earning income through gig platforms in 2024, largely driven by ridesharing. This trend is especially prominent among Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, many of whom are making gig work their primary income.
New regulations, such as California's AB 5 law, are aimed at providing gig workers with better protections, including access to benefits like healthcare and paid leave.
Headlines
In September 2024, U.S. gig workers staged a historic nationwide strike, demanding fair pay and benefits.
Over 50 million Americans were gig workers in 2024, with many relying on gig work as a full-time income source.
The 2024 elections highlighted debates on stronger labor laws for gig workers, including health benefits and wage guarantees.