A nationwide strike announced by Gig workers on January 30

New Delhi: While millions of gig workers across the country may have received partial relief from the central government's intervention, their fundamental problems remain. Following a directive from Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, quick commerce and food delivery platforms—Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto—have removed claims of 10-minute delivery and strict time limits from their advertisements and branding. The government has clearly stated that there will be no compromise on the safety of delivery partners.

While delivery partners say that while there has been some relief from time pressures, core issues such as fixed income, minimum wages, and social security remain unresolved.

The greater the orders, the greater the risk

Several delivery partners shared their concerns with India Daily. Rakesh Kumar, a delivery boy from Delhi, said, "The government's decision is good. We're relieved of the 10-minute rush. But our earnings depend entirely on orders. To earn more, we have to drive at high speeds, and the risk of accidents is always present."

Another delivery partner said that in the race for more orders and incentives, delivery boys are the most likely victims of road accidents, while companies don't pay enough attention to safety measures.

Government takes strict action after accidents, but workers remain unsatisfied

It's worth noting that in recent months, numerous complaints have surfaced about road accidents involving delivery partners due to high speeds and time pressure. Following these complaints, the Labor Ministry held a meeting with platform companies and clearly stated that profit at the cost of workers' lives would not be acceptable.

Despite this, gig workers believe that simply removing time limits from advertisements is not enough.

Warning of a nationwide strike on January 30th

Nirmal Gorana, coordinator of the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union, told India Daily "We welcome the government's move, but the real demand is that gig workers be granted worker status. Companies should establish a fixed pay so they don't have to risk their lives for every order," he said. He added that a complaint has also been filed with the Human Rights Commission regarding this issue. Gorana warned that the app will be shut down nationwide on January 26th. If the demands are not met by January 30th, gig workers across the country will go on strike. Urban Company workers will hold a Satyagraha in Delhi on January 30th.

Demand for Minimum Wage, Insurance, and Security

The union's key demands include minimum wage, health and accident insurance, weekly leave, and social security. The union alleges that platform companies are earning crores in profits, but gig workers have neither leave nor any solid security cover.

Services likely to be disrupted in major cities

If a strike occurs on January 30th, it will directly impact quick commerce and food delivery services, especially in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major cities. At present, gig workers are waiting for a concrete decision from the government.

Reported by: Pankaj Rai