October 18, 2024: Union Minister of Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a significant meeting with representatives from Platform Workers’ Associations in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, the Secretary of Labour & Employment, and senior officers from the Ministry were also present.

Major Announcements:

1. Committee Formed: Framework for social security and welfare benefits for gig and platform workers.

2. Aggregator Module on e-Shram Portal: Launch confirmed after successful testing with major aggregators. Advisory issued to aggregators for mandatory worker registration on the portal.

Suggestions from Platform Workers’ Associations:

1. Unique ID for Social Security Entitlements:

2. All benefits linked to a unique ID with inter-state portability.

3. Aggregator Responsibility:Companies must register workers on Central and State portals.

4. Data and Algorithmic Transparency: Full data access to workers and the government.

5. Universal Welfare Access: All workers covered under welfare schemes with clear guidelines.

Key Demands from Shaik Salauddin, National General Secretary, Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) and Founder President, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU):

1. Legislation for Worker Rights and Tripartite Welfare Boards

2. Minimum Assured Income and Employer-Employee Recognition

3. Grievance Redressal Systems for platform workers

4. Occupational Health & Safety as a fundamental right

5. Safety of Women Workers per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.