Fuel Hike Sparks Gig Workers’ Strike: 5-Hour Shutdown of Swiggy, Zomato & Blinkit Today

New Delhi: After the increase in the prices of petrol and diesel by about Rs 3 per liter, resentment has increased among gig workers across the country. Organizations associated with app-based delivery and cab services have announced their protest, calling it a direct attack on their earnings. Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has decided to shut down app services from 12 noon to 5 pm today, demanding the government and companies increase per kilometer payment.

How much was the impact on earnings?

GIPSWU President Seema Singh said that due to cost of fuel, the daily income of delivery workers traveling on bikes and scooters has been directly affected. Many workers, even after working for 10 to 14 hours, are able to save only ₹200-₹300 after taking out petrol and maintenance. "The fare did not increase, but the expenses increased immediately. At the end of the day, it becomes difficult to meet the household expenses," said a cab driver in Hyderabad. The union claims that it currently fetches ₹5-6 per km for delivery, while the cost comes to ₹2.5-3 per km. 

What is the demand for gig workers?

The union has demanded the government and all digital platforms fix a minimum service rate of ₹20 per km. Demands have also been made for fuel compensation, waiting charges, security and maternity leave for women workers and for granting 'worker' status to platform workers under labor laws. National Coordinator Nirmal Gorana said that companies did not increase delivery charges despite increasing operating expenses, which may force workers to leave the sector.  

Why did the LPG crisis increase the problem?

According to reports, the work of many restaurants and cloud kitchens has been affected due to the LPG crisis. This has led to a huge decline in food delivery orders. The union claims that in some areas orders have decreased by 50 to 70 percent.

What was demanded from the government and companies?

The union has sent a memorandum to the government and big digital companies demanding increase in fuel compensation and incentives. He says that the earnings of the companies are increasing, but the income of the delivery partners is not increasing in the same proportion.

What will be the effect of the strike?

GIPSWU has appealed to keep app-based services closed from 12 to 5 pm. A similar strike in Gurugram last week had delayed food delivery by hours, while the impact in Delhi-Noida was limited. The union says that this is a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the government and companies towards the growing livelihood crisis.