KARNATAKA GIG WORKERS BILL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the government of Karnataka has released a draft of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill.

Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers Bill

• Protection Against Unfair Dismissals: The bill introduces measures to protect workers from unjust termination, ensuring they cannot be dismissed without valid reasons.
• Two-Tier Grievance System: A two-tier system is established for workers to file grievances, offering a structured process to address and resolve issues.
• Transparency in Automated Monitoring: Increased transparency is mandated for automated monitoring and decision-making on platforms, aiming to safeguard workers' rights and fairness.
• Rights-Based Bill: The bill is introduced as a ‘rights-based bill’, focusing on enhancing and protecting the rights of workers.
• Contractual Obligations: Contracts between aggregators and workers must include a comprehensive list of termination grounds, ensuring clarity and fairness.
• Valid Reason for Termination: Aggregators must provide valid reasons in writing and give a 14-day notice before terminating a worker’s contract.
• Right to Refuse Gigs: Workers are allowed to refuse a set number of gigs weekly without facing negative consequences, as long as they provide a reasonable cause.
• Weekly Payments and Deductions: Aggregators are required to make payments to workers weekly and must provide explanations for any deductions from their pay.

Gig Worker

• Definition: A gig worker is an individual engaged in temporary, contract, or freelance jobs within the gig economy.
• Alternative Terms: Gig workers are also referred to as independent contractors, freelancers, or on-call workers.

Gig Economy

• About: It is a labor market that relies heavily on temporary and part-time positions filled by independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent employees.
• Benefits: It offers adaptability for workers, businesses, and consumers by accommodating flexible work arrangements and lifestyles.