—Bellal Bin Quashem—

May 1st — an unforgettable day that commemorates the struggles and victories of working people. Written in the blood of the Chicago Haymarket martyrs, this day has long served as a source of inspiration for labourers across the globe. The roots of century-long movements demanding eight-hour workdays, fair wages, and safe working conditions can all be traced back to May Day.

However, the global labour market has transformed significantly over the 20th and 21st centuries. Following the Industrial Revolution, the technological boom, the rise of the information age, and most notably the emergence of the “Gig Economy,” May Day’s meaning and relevance have taken on new dimensions. Today, important questions arise: Whose labour are we referring to? And how should labour rights be defined in the modern era?

THE GIG ECONOMY: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The “Gig Economy” refers to a labour market where individuals earn through short-term, project-based, or irregular jobs rather than holding permanent contracts. These workers are not traditional employees but freelancers, part-timers, ride-share drivers, or delivery agents working for digital platforms.

Globally, the number of gig workers is rising rapidly. Experts estimate that by 2025, nearly 50% of the US workforce will be engaged in some form of gig work. The situation in Bangladesh is not much different, where thousands of young people are now affiliated with platforms such as Pathao, Uber, Foodpanda, Fiverr, and Upwork.

The gig economy is characterised by work flexibility — allowing workers to choose their own schedules. However, behind this flexibility lie uncertainty, the absence of social protection, unstable income, and exclusion from formal labour laws.

THE ORIGINAL SPIRIT OF MAY DAY VS. THE GIG ECONOMY

The spirit of May Day originated from collective efforts to ensure regulated working hours, fair wages, rest, and safety. In contrast, the gig economy lacks collective bargaining power. Most gig workers operate independently, making solidarity and unified resistance extremely difficult. Though gig workers enjoy autonomy, they also face job insecurity, often without access to any form of social protection. As a result, the very idea of “worker solidarity” — the heart of May Day — is under serious threat in this new labour paradigm.

CHALLENGES FACED BY GIG WORKERS

Income Instability

Gig workers’ earnings depend entirely on job availability. Without a fixed monthly income, their lives remain uncertain.

Lack of Social Protection

Unlike permanent employees, gig workers are denied health insurance, accident coverage, and pensions — leaving them vulnerable in crises.

Legal Ambiguity

In many countries, gig workers are not formally recognised as employees, excluding them from basic labour protections.

Crisis of Dignity

Gig workers often experience social disregard, with their work being seen as temporary or of low status, resulting in psychological stress.

PLATFORM DOMINATION

Digital platforms control job distribution through opaque algorithms, tightening their grip on workers while avoiding accountability.

OPPORTUNITIES: CAN THE GIG ECONOMY BE EMPOWERING?

Despite its pitfalls, the gig economy has also created opportunities — especially for the youth:

Many are gaining new skills and becoming self-employed.

Women are earning from home, improving gender participation in the workforce.

Digital literacy is increasing, enabling engagement with global markets.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, gig workers played essential roles in food delivery, medicine distribution, and remote education — proving their indispensable place in society.

A CALL FOR A NEW LABOUR MOVEMENT

In today’s gig-driven reality, the core ideals of May Day — dignity of labour, fairness, and protection — must be reimagined and expanded. We need new types of organisations, policies, and movements to defend the rights of gig workers.

SOME PROMISING EXAMPLES INCLUDE:

In the UK, the Couriers and Riders Union has emerged. In California, the Gig Workers Rising movement is active.

The European Union is drafting legal frameworks for gig workers’ rights.

Bangladesh too must act urgently to:

Grant formal recognition to gig workers.

Establish minimum wage standards.

Ensure health and accident insurance.

Regulate working hours and guarantee safety.

This requires a tripartite dialogue among labour unions, the government, and digital platforms to craft inclusive and effective policies.

LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK

The Bangladesh Labour Act of 2006 (amended in 2018) primarily addresses workers in factory and institution-based roles. Gig workers fall outside its scope.

Thus, a new legal framework is urgently needed.

EXPERTS PROPOSE A SPECIAL LABOUR CODE FOR GIG WORKERS THAT WOULD INCLUDE:

Formal recognition as employees or independent professionals.

Clearly defined working conditions.

Assurance of fair compensation.

Insurance and social protection mechanisms.

A legal pathway for seeking justice against exploitation or negligence.

As information technology reshapes every layer of society, turning a blind eye to this new reality would be a betrayal of May Day’s founding principles.

FUTURE CHALLENGES AND REQUIRED ACTIONS

The gig economy will undoubtedly continue to grow. But so too will inequality, instability, and vulnerability unless proactive steps are taken:

Integrate digital and financial literacy into the national curriculum.

Launch skill development programmes tailored for the gig economy.

Promote youth entrepreneurship.

Hold digital platforms accountable for worker welfare.

To preserve the global relevance of Labour Day, gig workers must be recognised and respected as true workers.

The dignity of labour is not confined to uniforms or factory floors. It may well be found in a remote freelancer’s room, a delivery rider’s saddle, or a home-based designer’s screen.

May Day teaches us that the struggle for dignity, justice, and rights is timeless.

In the age of the gig economy, this struggle takes on a new form — less visible but equally vital.

Let this May Day serve as a renewed call — to fight for the rights of gig workers, as we once did for factory workers — and build a future that is more just, secure, and dignified for all.

The essence of labour remains unchanged — only its appearance evolves.

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Writer: Poet, Columnist, and Public Relations Professional

Email: [email protected]