New Delhi: Instant delivery service or gig workers employed by Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and other similar companies observed an all-India strike on Christmas,
December 25 and will be holding another protest on December 31, to highlight their concerns over worsening work conditions and low wages. In view of this strike, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) in a statement said that the workers are being pushed into long working hours, unsafe delivery targets, falling earnings, lack of job security among other issues. "Despite being the backbone of last-mile delivery, especially during peak seasons and festivals-delivery workers are forced to endure long working hours, falling earnings, unsafe delivery targets, arbitrary ID blocking, lack of job security, and absence of basic welfare protections," the workers’ body said.
Raising the matter further, the workers have listed a series of demands including one that puts emphasis on immediate withdrawal of "10-minute delivery" requirement, which is the USP of these services.
What All Demands Have Been Made by 10-Minute Delivery App Workers
- Job and social security, including health insurance, accidents coverage and pension benefits.
- Mandatory rest breaks and reasonable working hours
- No arbitrary ID blocking and penalties without due process Assured and consistent work allocation without algorithmic discriminations
- Improved safety measures, including safety gear
- Humane treatment by platforms, customers including respect and dignity at work.
- Stronger App and technical support, including grievance redressal for routing and payment failures.
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Speaking on this matter, TGPWU Founder and President Shaik Salauddin said that the workers are being pushed to breaking points by unsafe work models, falling incomes, and total absence of social protection.
“Delivery workers are being pushed to breaking point by unsafe work models, falling incomes, and total absence of social protection. This strike is a collective call for justice, dignity, and accountability. The government can no longer remain a silent spectator while platform companies profit at the cost of workers' lives," Shaik Salauddin said.
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With December 25 already passed, the next strike day is on December 31, the new-year’s eve, another day when instant delivery Apps are high on demand.
