The burgeoning trajectory of Indian gig workers: Is independence the price for minimum wages and social security?

Purpose This study aims to investigate three questions pertaining to the gig workers belonging to the hospitality industry in India: (1) their perception of labour legislations, (2) their awareness and interest in the industry and (3) the status of social security and pace of the gig platforms in adopting “minimum wages”. Design/methodology/approach A purposive sampling is constructed and applied on the gig workers in the eastern part of the country, involving 107 App workers. This paper has embarked on the Multi-Method-Triangulation Strategy by combining focus group discussions and individual survey interviews (Lambert and Loiselle, 2007) with studying the awareness and understanding of Indian gig workers on recent developments on minimum wage and social security schemes. Findings This research has developed a 5P framework with Pay, Place, Purpose, Procedure and Pride as primary components. While there is a strong need to unlock the existing legislation, it is also essential to create inclusiveness for the workers (Gen X, Y and Z) to mainstream them under the umbrella of legal and social security. Originality/value The qualitative inquiry of the study provides valuable insights into gig workers’ perception of recent changes in Indian labour legislation. The business implications point out that the employer must inculcate clear terms and conditions relating to work done by the gig workers, keeping in mind the 5P-framework and implementing social security provisions.