20/09/2025
Date: 20th September 2025
“Realising Decent Work in the Platform Economy”
Bengaluru, Karnataka – A special meeting was held today under the theme “Realising Decent Work in the Platform Economy”, focusing on the implementation and rules drafting of the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025. The session also aimed at spreading awareness among gig and platform workers about their rights under the new legislation.
The meeting brought together leaders of platform economy workers’ unions as well as other trade unions to discuss the draft legislation and rules in detail.
It was jointly organized with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), Karnataka App-Based Workers Union (KAWU), and Peace Auto and Cab Drivers Association.
Distinguished leaders and representatives who participated included:
Biju Mathew, President, International Alliance of App-based Transport Workers (IAATW)
Shaik Salauddin, Founder President, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU)
Inayath Ali, President, Karnataka App-Based Workers Union (KAWU)
Raghu Narayana Gowda, President, Peace Auto and Cab Drivers Association
Key Highlights of the Meeting
Steps for effective implementation of the new Act and formulation of detailed rules.
Social security, welfare, and decent work standards for gig and platform workers.
Raising awareness among workers to ensure inclusion and access to benefits.
Strengthening collective representation, trade union participation, and policy engagement.
Leaders’ Remarks
Biju Mathew said, “The passage of this Act in Karnataka is a historic milestone. Now the real challenge lies in ensuring that the rules are drafted in consultation with workers and implemented in a way that truly secures their livelihoods.”
Shaik Salauddin emphasized, “This law must not remain on paper. Gig and platform workers have struggled for years without social security. With proper implementation, we can ensure fairness, dignity, and recognition for lakhs of workers.”
Inayath Ali stated, “As representatives of workers in Karnataka, we welcome this law. But we will continue to fight to ensure the rules address workers’ everyday struggles—like pay security, accident insurance, and access to welfare schemes.”
Raghu Narayana Gowda added, “Auto and cab drivers are part of this gig economy too. Our unity with app-based workers strengthens the movement to demand justice, welfare, and respect.”
This gathering marks a crucial step in ensuring that gig and platform workers in Karnataka gain rightful recognition, protection, and welfare benefits under the new law.
