TEXT FORMAT
Do major platforms treat workers fairly?
Pakistan's major gig economy platforms are FoodPanda, Gharpar, Uber, Bykea, Careem, Cheetay, and Daraz.
FoodPanda, Gharpar, and Uber have been rated 1/10 by Fairwork, while the others have a rating of 0/10.
What about pay ratings?
Among all the gig economy platforms operating in Pakistan, only Gharpar got a rating of 1/10 for fair pay.
They ensure that the workers are paid minimum wage.
NUMBERS & DATA
2%
Percentage of the Pakistan labor force engaged in the gig economy. (Fairwork)
1.5 million
Workers who are engaged in Pakistan’s platform economy. (thenews.com.pk)
0.5 million
Platform workers engaged in ‘location-based’ work. (thenews.com.pk)
1 million
Platform workers who are involved in online work. (thenews.com.pk)
Foodpanda & UN Women: A GOOD CASE STUDY
UN Women and Foodpanda Pakistan have partnered to promote workplace gender equality.
FoodPanda is committed to capacity-building to empower women at all levels, recognizing their rights under the UN Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
NO LABOR RIGHTS AT ALL
Pakistan's labor laws do not cover platform workers.
Despite being vulnerable to job loss during the pandemic, the country's Ehsaas social protection program or COVID-19-related social protections do not cover self-employed people.
LET'S MEET ON FACEBOOK!
There are Facebook groups for ride-hailing drivers who work with platforms such as Uber and Careem to share tips and information, thus supporting workers.
UBER WITHDRAWS
Uber suspended its ride-hailing app in five Pakistani cities, including Karachi and Islamabad, to decrease market overlap between the US corporation and its Middle East unit Careem.
WORKERS' ACTIONS
- Bykea workers' poor conditions - 100,000 people use app-based platforms to make money. For desiring to work in a decentralized atmosphere, they confront unsafe conditions, wage fluctuations, and few rights.
- Foodpanda riders on strike - Thousands of Foodpanda delivery employees in Karachi went on strike over salaries and working conditions. The corporation decreased delivery rates, causing several worker complaints. The platform cut rider commissions.
PAYPAL: FREELANCERS FACE DIFFICULTIES
Freelancers said they rarely work owing to the lack of financial services. PayPal, a global online payment system that allows online money transfers, will not come to Pakistan.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE Islamabad Capital Territory Platform Workers Protection Bill?
The Centre for Labour Research and Fairwork Foundation proposed legislation to mandate a minimum wage, working hour limits, and extra wages for public holidays, evenings, and inclement weather. Learn more at clr.org.pk
Copyright - WageIndicator March 2023 (data collected between October 2022 and January 2023)