Decent yet indecent! Unveiling dual realities of fairwork in India’s ride-hailing sector

Purpose This study aims to examine the extent to which the employment conditions of gig workers in India’s ride-hailing platforms align with fairwork and decent work standards and the associated consequences on their well-being and performance. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative methodology and reflexive thematic analysis, both manually and with NVIVO 15 software, to systematically organise important excerpts, produce insights and extract key themes from in-depth interviews and observations of the experiences of 30 Indian ride-hailing drivers. Findings The study highlights the inequitable and opaque employment situation for the gig workers in ride-hailing platform companies. Some key challenges are financial instability due to low fares, inadequate grievance redressal mechanisms and the absence of a collective voice. The drivers valued autonomy, earning opportunities and flexibility despite hazardous conditions, unilateral platform control and the absence of safety nets. Research limitations/implications Highlighting the gig workers’ perception of decent work and fairwork, as well as the ensuing challenges, the findings will help platform companies and policymakers take appropriate measures to ensure equitable and safe employment conditions for the gig workers. Originality/value Highlighting the paradoxes of gig work, this study shares insights into the decent and fairwork status of gig workers.