The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy invites you to an online discussion on ‘The role of Competition Law in promoting fair bargaining for gig economy workers in India’ on 11 th January 2024 from 5:30 pm-6:45 pm IST/7 am-8:15 am EST.

In India, the rights of gig economy workers are primarily governed under labour laws rather than competition laws. Through this Book Adda and in collaboration with GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), Vidhi aims to initiate a conversation on the potential and role of Indian competition law and policy in strengthening fair bargaining powers for gig workers in their interactions with Big Tech.
The book chosen for our conversation is Dr. Jonathan B. Baker’s ‘The Antitrust Paradigm: Restoring a Competitive Economy.’ This book provides a comprehensive overview of Big Tech’s market power and its implications on the ecosystem, including suppliers and workers. Join us as we delve into the intricate dynamics and explore ways to ensure a more balanced and equitable environment for gig workers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In ‘The Antitrust Paradigm: Restoring a Competitive Economy,’ Dr. Jonathan Baker exposes the often overlooked and detrimental business practices by Big Tech that hinder effective competition. This issue goes beyond the challenge of legal frameworks lagging behind technological advancements. Contrary to fostering competition, Chicago-style reforms have inflated market power, resulting in adverse effects such as harm to workers and consumers, stifled innovation, and hindered overall economic growth. Baker advocates for a resurgence of pro-competitive economic regulation, positioning antitrust as a foundational component. He suggests updating enforcement and jurisprudence to align with the dynamics of the modern high-tech economy.

In response to the escalating concerns linked with the gig workers’ welfare, GIZ’s Gig Economy Initiative has launched an 8-part course, “Shaping the Gig Economy: Understanding the regulatory potentials and risks for digital labour platforms”, examining diverse regulatory facets of the gig economy. This includes exploring the role of competition policy in advancing equitable collective bargaining. The course is freely accessible and can be found here.

A Conversation between:

• Jonathan B. Baker, Author and Professor of Law Emeritus at American University Washington College of Law

• Amber Darr,  Lecturer in Competition Law at the University of Manchester AND Senior Research Fellow at UCL Centre for Law, Economics, and Society

• Ujjwal Kumar, Associate Director, CUTS International

• Vellah Kedogo Kigwiru, Doctoral Research Fellow, Technical University of Munich, Germany

The discussion will be moderated by Manjushree RM, Senior Resident Fellow, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. For any queries, please contact manjushree@vidhilegalpolicy.in.