A nationwide strike by gig workers in India on Wednesday drew attention to the grievances of delivery partners working for app-based platforms. The protest, organized by various gig and platform worker unions, aimed to address issues such as low earnings, lack of social security, rising fuel costs, and inadequate insurance and safety measures. Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Anand Bhadauriya emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that many educated young individuals are turning to delivery work due to unemployment and financial pressures.
Despite the call for a shutdown of app-based services, the response from delivery partners varied, with some expressing confusion and worry. Concerns were raised about the lack of insurance coverage and emergency support in case of accidents. One delivery partner highlighted the uncertainty, stating that although the company promised assistance through SOS, practical challenges like lost phones hindered the process. Another delivery worker shared frustrations over declining pay rates and lack of company support, criticizing the companies for hiring excessive workers without adequate compensation.
The protest received support from various gig worker collectives and unions advocating for minimum pay guarantees, transparent incentives, accident insurance, health coverage, and formal recognition of gig workers under labor laws. These groups also raised issues related to algorithm-based penalties, sudden account deactivations, and intense competition due to over-recruitment. While platform companies emphasize flexibility and support tools for delivery partners, workers argue that inflation and operational costs make survival increasingly challenging.
The strike, although not uniformly observed, has once again highlighted the precarious nature of India’s gig economy, prompting calls for policy reforms and enhanced labor protections.
