Abstract

The foundation of India's economy and a major factor in its expansion is the unorganised work sector. But this workforce—which is mostly made up of contract labourers, daily wage earners, and the quickly growing gig economy—is subject to systemic exploitation, which includes low pay, unfavourable working conditions, and a lack of social security. The lack of legislative frameworks that adequately safeguard their rights—such as the freedom to form and join trade unions—as guaranteed by international human rights standards is one of the primary challenges. This article examines the shortcomings in the laws that safeguard unorganised labour, evaluates the need of bolstering trade union rights, and makes reform recommendations to guarantee that these workers can fully utilise their rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association.

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