Gig Workers Strike for Higher Pay Amid Fuel Price Hike

The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has initiated a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services, urging digital platforms to implement higher kilometre-based payment rates. This action follows a recent increase in fuel prices, including petrol, diesel, and LPG, which the union argues severely impacts the earnings of gig workers.

The union has appealed to gig and platform workers to halt services from 12 PM to 5 PM, highlighting the financial strain caused by rising operational costs. Petrol prices in Delhi have reportedly risen to approximately ₹97.77 per litre, with diesel reaching ₹90.67 per litre, attributed in part to geopolitical tensions affecting global oil markets.

GIPSWU president Seema Singh stated that the escalating fuel and LPG prices, coupled with stagnant payout structures from platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit, are creating significant pressure on workers’ income, particularly during severe heatwave conditions.

The union is advocating for a central law governing gig workers and proposes a minimum service rate of ₹20 per kilometre. GIPSWU points to NITI Aayog estimates projecting the gig workforce to grow from approximately 7.7 million in 2020-21 to about 23.5 million by 2029-30, with a substantial portion engaged in app-based delivery, logistics, and ride-hailing services.

Memorandums have been submitted to the central government and various digital platforms, including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Dunzo, Urban Company, Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, Amazon Flex, and Instamart. GIPSWU is seeking an immediate revision of delivery charges, increased kilometre-based payments, and compensation for rising fuel expenses to prevent the entire burden of operational costs from falling on the workers.

This action is part of ongoing efforts by gig worker unions to address issues such as low pay, algorithm-based penalties, and inadequate working conditions, with previous protests and strikes occurring in recent years.