New Year’s eve delivery hit as gig workers go on nationwide strike — here’s what they want

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, along with the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers, has called for the nationwide strike in support of regional workers’ groups in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Delhi-NCR.

Gig workers associated with platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart are expected to participate in the protest. A similar strike was also observed on December 25, coinciding with Christmas celebrations.

The Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has written to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, alleging that gig workers are being deprived of basic labour protections guaranteed under the law and the Constitution.

What are the demands?

1. End to unsafe delivery time mandates

• Abolition of 10-minute and 20-minute delivery targets, which workers say force unsafe riding speeds and compromise safety.

2. Better pay and earnings security

• A minimum per-kilometre rate of around ₹20/km for delivery work across platforms.
• Guaranteed minimum monthly earnings, with unions demanding a range between ₹24,000 and ₹40,000.

3. Legal recognition and labour rights

• Recognition of gig workers as “workers” under labour laws instead of “partners,” enabling access to statutory protections and collective bargaining rights.

4. Fair work conditions and protections

• Transparent pay structures and protection against arbitrary rate cuts and algorithm-based penalties.
• An end to arbitrary ID blocking and punitive rating systems without an appeal mechanism.

5. Social security and welfare

• Access to health, accident and life insurance, provident fund, pension schemes and welfare benefits.
• Emergency leave, maternity benefits and enhanced workplace safety measures, particularly for women workers.

6. Compensation and work logistics

• Compensation for customer-initiated order cancellations.
• Removal of restrictive systems such as peak-hour pressure, slot caps and forced work schedules.
• Replacement of automated AI-based customer support with 24/7 human grievance redressal mechanisms.

7. Safer working conditions

• Reduced delivery pressure through realistic timelines and safeguards against hazardous working conditions.
• Provision of protective gear and improved safety protocols.