Published: 01:03 AM, 01 May 2026
May Day Celebrations: Sympathy for Gig Workers
Every year on May 1, the entire globe celebrates International Workers Day or May Day. The day no doubt is an emotive moment for the workers. My readers might wonder that why did I say so. Definitely there is logic and rationale behind my logic.
In this regard, let me analyze why do people around the globe emphasize upon gig workers, in order to celebrate International Workers Day or May Day. Among my readers, I am quite certain that most of us are not aware of regarding the concept of ‘gig workers’. In order to probe about the concept of ‘gig workers’, we find that it is those workers who are individual entity who earns income through temporary, flexible, project based, or freelance work rather than traditional long-term employment. These workers use digital platforms (like Uber or Upwork) to search for work as independent entity. Key features of gig workers include high autonomy, no traditional benefits of employees and finally no specific tasks assigned to employees.
May Day celebration every year on May 1, seems to be a routine affair in our life. Merely celebrating the day every year on May 1, may not suffice the needs of workers around the globe. Though in some parts of the globe, we have observed needs of workers are well looked after by the government of respective nation. While observing the plight of workers of South Asian nations, we observe the dismal plight of the nation.
It is not possible to throw light about all South Asian nations. In this shortest possible time, I feel that it is relevant to focus upon two closer and cordial nations of the Sub-Continent, India and Bangladesh. It is known to us that in these nations, the plight of the workers is pathetic. Same goes for gig workers. But still, I find there is a difference between the two. In case of workers, we find that they received some benefit, whereas in case of gig workers, who are always on the verge of being hoodwinked. As we are well aware of, the political situation in both India and Bangladesh, are in utterly dire straits. On account of the above situations, both workers and gig workers are deprived in receipt of the deserving benefits. Before I delve more into my subject, let me trace out the difference between workers and gig workers.
Workers (known as traditional employees) have to perform long duration roles with specific benefits, fixed hours, along with coverage of legal benefits under an employer-employee relation. Contrarily gig workers are such, that gives a true indication of working pattern and the remuneration received by the gig workers. Other differences between workers and gig workers are stated as such. Tradional workers are treated as employees whereas gig workers are such who work on contractual basis, that will work and then remuneration is earned. Workers have to work under certain norms, whereas gig workers can work as per choice. Workers are in receipt of benefits whereas gig workers are paid on their due remuneration but no additional benefits accrued.
Previously I have written several times about May Day celebration. I even wrote about historical anecdotes. Now as the issue might become monotonous to my readers, hence not reiterating on this issue. It is apt to write about psychological aspect about May Day celebration.
If any one of us wishes to write about psychological aspect of May Day celebration, then it reflects symbol of solidarity among workers along with renewal of mental wellbeing. Ensuring sense of values among workers. This is most important among all. Then we touch upon trustworthy aspect. Emotive temperament might be the key aspect, but along with it should be impacted upon a sense of rationality among humanity.
From my above discourse we find that transparency and ethics should be key forte of the humanity, I mean the workers, gig workers and also the management staff of the company. But while we talk about May Day celebration, we find that feeling of sympathy and introspection about workers need. It is indeed the responsibility of the management staff to steer the company from a state of deep woods to a state of prosperous one. The Management’s role is to be thoughtful towards workers needs, then the reciprocation should come from the workers. Not only the junior management responsible, along with-it higher management, who are all concerned about the needs of workers. If the management looks after the needs of workers needs, then the total productivity of the company accelerates by leaps and bounds. Gig workers should be sympathize for their upgradation in life.
Summation of the above discourse, we find that the popularity of May Day is gaining firm ground. Then the common citizens of India and Bangladesh will gain firm foothold of May Day celebration. If the worker’s needs are met up then global productivity will increase. Last but not the least, the working hours of non-management workers should be streamlined. It is in fact the best way to pay our tributes to the workers then we find one day Indian economy will blossom up. Though we may take up the proposal in its positive stance. Despite broadly having thoughts for workers, but we should keep in mind about the plight of gig workers. Management should sympathize gig workers so that they prosper well in life. With the passing away of time, the number of Gig workers should be around 154 million. As per the Indian context, the number of Gig workers are estimated to be around 60 million. Among the Indian companies like, Blinkit, Swiggy etc are prominent among all.
Sujayendra Das is a columnist based
in Calcutta, India.
