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Gig workers to strike today
New Delhi: In protest against rising petrol and diesel prices, the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has announced a five-hour strike on Saturday. From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, gig workers will keep their apps offline, which could disrupt online deliveries on platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto.
Workers Demand Higher Delivery Rates Amid Rising Fuel Costs
The GIPSWU has called for an immediate increase in per-kilometre service rates from both the government and digital platforms, following a fuel price hike of around Rs 3 per litre nationwide. The union says the increase is putting gig workers under severe financial pressure, as higher fuel costs reduce their take-home earnings.
Nearly 1.2 crore gig workers, who depend on motorcycles and scooters for their daily income, are affected. In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 90.67 per litre, driven by rising international crude prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Union Calls Fuel Hike a “Direct Blow” to Gig Workers
GIPSWU President Seema Singh described the fuel hike as a “direct blow” to workers already struggling with inflation and extreme summer heat. The union warned that without higher earnings to match rising fuel and maintenance costs, many workers may be forced to leave the sector. Women delivery personnel and drivers, often working 10 to 14 hours daily in challenging conditions, are among the hardest hit.
The union has submitted memorandums to both the government and major digital platforms, urging revised delivery rates and fuel compensation. The strike is being conducted peacefully to draw attention to the growing financial challenges faced by gig and platform workers across India.
