Gig Workers Protest: The gig workers' associations, associated with food and quick-commerce platforms, have announced a protest on New Year's Eve, demanding a better pay structure and working conditions. While these associations claimed that lakhs of gig workers have joined the protest across states, several of them continued to work for their daily earnings. The workers who worked despite the protest reportedly stated that their livelihood was dependent on the daily earnings, adding that they could not afford to not work. Amid the ongoing protest, the food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato on Wednesday announced a hike in the incentives for the delivery partners.
The working delivery agents stated that while they support the strike and demand better working conditions, they have to continue working to manage their finances. “We have to do our jobs. How will we manage otherwise?” one of the gig workers was quoted as saying by ANI.
“The strike is ongoing nationwide. The strike has been relaxed here for the people dependent on daily wages... The reason for the strike is a lack of proper earnings,” another one added. The gig workers also asserted that their share of earnings significantly improved during the festivals, reported ANI.
Swiggy and Zomato Announce Hike in Incentive
The food delivery platforms announced the hike to ensure minimal disruptions in services; however, this is a standard practice they follow on key occasions. "This is part of our standard annual operating protocol during festive periods, which typically see higher earning opportunities due to increased demand," an Eternal spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI.
'Protest For Better Working Environment'
Earlier on Tuesday, the gig workers' associations announced that thousands of delivery partners have agreed to participate in the protest, adding that the delivery platforms did not take any action even after several warnings.
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