IIM Kozhikode March 27–28, 2026 CERLS

Theme: Gig Workers in Growing India

India Labour Conference 2026 convenes scholars, policymakers, trade unions, businesses, and labour organizations to advance equitable and sustainable labour policies for gig and platform workers.

Centre for Employment Relations and Labour Studies (CERLS)

India Labour Conference 2026 (3rd edition)

Stakeholders

Academia, policy, industry, unions, civil society

Platform Work

Algorithms, transparency, accountability

Decent Work

Fair wages, rights, social security


About the Conference

Work has evolved from classical scientific management to newer and emerging employment arrangements. Gig work, recognized under the broader umbrella of “non-standard forms of employment,” is now central to the future of work.

As per NITI Aayog estimates, the gig workforce in India is expected to expand to 2.35 crore (23.5 million) workers by 2029–30. While legal recognition appears in the Code on Social Security (2020), meaningful and comprehensive protections remain limited, warranting policy and institutional attention.

Conference Objective
Enable dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to drive equitable outcomes for gig workers.
Outcomes
Share best practices, discuss policy design, and strengthen the pursuit of fair wages and social security.

Key Questions

  • Defining employment status to ensure fundamental rights at work
  • Mechanisms for fair remuneration and income security aligned to ILO principles
  • Adapting social protection systems for universality and portability
  • Ensuring algorithmic transparency, accountability, and worker participation
2 Days Talks & Panels Paper Sessions

Conference Snapshot

IIM Kozhikode (Kozhikode campus), Kerala, India
March 27–28, 2026 Hosted by CERLS

Key Themes to Be Explored

Suggested thematic areas for submissions, panels, and discussions.

Platform economy
Role of Technology and AI in driving gig work
Gig workers – Financial empowerment inclusion
Gig Worker and Employment Relations
Labour Migration and Non-Standard Forms of Employment
Legal Aspects of Gig Work
Historical Development of Gig Work
Policy and Government Intervention in Gig Economy
Gender Equality and Gig Work
Gig Workers and Voice Within Organisation
Fair Wage in Informal Economy
Gig Workers’ Rights and Standards
Gig work and international standards
What India can learn from other countries
Gig Economy and Labour Market Change
Algorithmic Management and Gig Work
Anthropomorphism
Social Protection in Platform and Shared Economy
Role of Trade Union in Gig Economy
Role of Civil Society in Ensuring Working Conditions
Role of Trust in Non-Standard Employment Relationships
Wellbeing at Work Among Gig Workers
Changing Dynamics of Work
Sociology of Work
Psychological Safety at Gig Work
Bullying in the Gig/Platform Work
Uncertainty and Precarious Employment
Education, Employment, and Emerging Gig Workers
Gig Work and Sustainable Development Goals
Labour Market Flexibility and Gig Work
Gig Work and Identity
Gig Work and Work-Life Conflict
Productivity and Gig Work

Important Dates

Milestone Date
Last date of submission of full paper Feb 26, 2026
Decision on submissions Mar 01, 2026
Registration open Mar 01, 2026
Registration closes Mar 20, 2026
Conference dates Mar 27–28, 2026

Call for Papers

Full paper. The submissions are invited in the form of conceptual papers, literature reviews, policy papers, case studies etc. ranging from 6000-10000 words (including references). The manu-script must contain an abstract of 150-250 words and follow APA referencing style. Log on to the following link for Paper Submission.

Conference Fee

Faculty & Post-doc

INR 6000 + 18% GST or $70

Ph.D Scholars / Retd. Professors

INR 2000 + 18% GST or $25

Industry Professionals

INR 8000 + 18% GST or $95

Venue

The conference will be organized at the beautiful campus of Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode.

Address
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode,
IIMK Campus PO,
Kunnamangalam,
Kozhikode – 673570,
Kerala, India.

Accommodation

A limited number of accommodations are available at IIM MDC on a first-come, first-served basis. To book, participants should forward a request to the conference committee.

Room Type Occupancy Rate per Night (incl. 5% GST)
Standard Single Rs. 3150
Standard Double Rs. 4410
Premium Single Rs. 3780
Premium Double Rs. 5292
Local Stay Options
There are large number of hotels available in Kozhikode(List of hotels)

Contact

Research Office
IIMK Campus P. O,
Kozhikode, Kerala, India,PIN - 673 570
Email: ilciimk2026@iimk.ac.in
Phone: +91-495-2809 237 / 238
CERLS
Centre for Employment Relations and Labour Studies, IIM Kozhikode