Gig Workers Protest: The impact of the gig workers' strike was felt strongly across the cities, with delays in Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, and other orders on Christmas. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers had called for a nationwide strike on Christmas, December 25. The Union has announced that it will hold another strike on New Year's as well.
Was Gig Workers Protest Successful
Delivery workers of several food, shopping and quick commerce platforms participated in the all-India protest, prompting delays and cancellations in food and instant deliveries on Thursday.
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Which Area Felt Impact Of Gig Workers' Strike
The impact of the strike was mostly felt in parts of Gurugram and NCR, where quick commerce deliveries were suspended as gig workers staged a strike over deteriorating working conditions in the gig economy. Orders from several delivery platforms, including Swiggy Instamart, Zepto and Blinkit, were delayed or cancelled.
While most platforms accepted orders, users reported long delivery times and cancellation of orders due to the unavailability of delivery agents. Quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart failed to deliver numerous orders.
TGPWU Issues Press Note
According to the workers' union in Telangana, nearly 40 thousand workers participated in the protest, affecting food and groceries deliveries in Hyderabad on Thursday.
"Approximately 40,000 delivery workers from major platforms participated in the flash strike, protesting unsafe working conditions, unfair pay, algorithmic control, ID blocking, and denial of dignity and social security," said Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) in a press note.
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Why Are Gig Workers Protesting
The delivery boys of several delivery applications, who reach your doorsteps with your orders, are not full-time employees but freelancers who get paid according to working hours and the number of delivered orders. These workers have raised concerns over deteriorating working conditions in the gig economy, primarily driven by intense competition for faster deliveries. The 10-minute delivery model has raised security concerns.
What Are The Demands Of Gig Workers?
- Withdrawal of 10-minute delivery systems.
- No-account suspension without due process.
- Transparent payment system that accurately shows the real hours worked and all associated costs.
- Work Safety improvement and accident insurance.
- End of Algorithm control by platforms, which decides pay and work targets.
- Stronger app and technical support, including grievance redressal for routing and payment failures, job security and social security are among other demands of gig workers.
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What Is The Future Of Gig Economy In India
According to an estimate by NITI Aayog, India’s Gig economy is projected to register a significant boost from 7.7 million in 2021 to 23.5 million by 2030, even as concerns over unfair labour practices and exploitation persist.