The union states that rising fuel prices will have a direct impact on the country’s approximately 12 million gig workers, whose livelihoods depend on motorcycles and scooters.
Swiggy-Zomato से नहीं आएगा खाना, Ola-Uber भी ठप, तेल की बढ़ी कीमतों के खिलाफ गिग वर्कर्स का प्रदर्शन
A nationwide hike of approximately ₹3 per liter in petrol and diesel prices has compounded the difficulties faced by gig workers associated with online delivery and app-based taxi services. In protest against this significant fuel price hike—the first of its kind in nearly four years—the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union has decided to suspend app-based services on Sunday, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Union demands that companies immediately increase the service rates paid per kilometer.
What Did the Union Say?
The Union asserts that rising fuel prices will have a direct impact on the country’s approximately 12 million gig workers, whose livelihoods depend on motorcycles and scooters. Reports suggest that fuel prices have risen due to surging crude oil rates in the international market and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
It is not just petrol and diesel; the LPG crisis has also exacerbated the troubles faced by gig workers. Due to a shortage of cooking gas, many restaurants and cloud kitchens have either curtailed their operations or temporarily shut down. This has had a ripple effect on the food delivery sector, resulting in a recorded decline of 50 to 70 percent in order volumes. Consequently, the earnings of delivery personnel—whose income relies heavily on incentives tied to receiving a higher volume of orders—are taking a hit.
Workers Are No Longer Able to Bear Rising Expenses
Seema Singh, President of the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union, stated that the hike in fuel prices—occurring amidst rising inflation and scorching summer heat—is placing an unbearable additional burden on the workers. According to her, delivery personnel associated with Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and other companies are no longer in a position to absorb these escalating operational costs. The Union has urged both the government and the digital platform companies to establish a minimum service rate of at least ₹20 per kilometer for these workers.
The Union has issued a warning that if their earnings do not improve to keep pace with the rising costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance, a significant number of individuals may choose to exit this sector entirely. The report states that this crisis is having the most severe impact on female gig workers, delivery agents, and drivers, who work 10 to 14 hours daily amidst harsh weather conditions and heavy traffic.
It is worth noting that employees associated with several major digital platforms are expected to participate in a five-hour peaceful protest scheduled for tomorrow—Sunday. Consequently, services such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber, and Rapido could be disrupted during this period.
Follow Us on… 
+