The Labour department will set up resting hubs for gig workers at three major cities in Keralam as part of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s 100-day action plan.

Online delivery personnel who shuttle between restaurants and delivery locations often find it hard to find a place to take rest amid their hectic schedules which require them to be out on the streets throughout the day. The absence of designated resting areas and restrooms has been a problem repeatedly flagged by gig workers’ unions.

According to information from Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna’s office, the resting hubs in the initial phase will come up at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode cities. A total of ₹1 crore has been allocated for the initiative. The hubs will have toilet facilities, charging facilities, a television and sufficient area for gig workers to sit and relax.

Locations have been identified in all three cities. Initially, the hubs will be operated out of rented buildings or unoccupied buildings of various departments. Staff have also been appointed on a daily wage basis to clean the toilets. In Thiruvananthapuram, the hub will be located in the Statue area, near the Press Club.

With the number of gig workers in cities as well as smaller towns increasing in recent years, more such hubs are expected to be set up.

According to the Minister’s office, the project will be expanded to more places based on the response of gig workers to these three hubs. The resting hubs are expected to be opened before September-end.