Delivery workers from Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, and Flipkart are on strike across the country today demanding fair wages, safety, and a host of other demands. They have demanded government intervention.
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Food Delivery Service Closed: Ahead of New Year’s Eve, gig workers (including delivery workers from Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, and Flipkart) have announced a nationwide strike today (December 31st). This could create problems with everything from ordering food for New Year’s parties to online delivery. Gig workers are on strike demanding fair wages, safety, and several other demands.
Sheikh Salauddin, National General Secretary of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), stated that gig workers across the country will shut down all app-based platforms today and hold peaceful protests at key locations. It should be noted that online delivery workers are called gig workers.
He explained that online platform companies were warned by a strike on December 25th, but no discussions were held with gig workers, nor were any safety or working hours stipulated. Therefore, another strike on December 31st has become necessary. He stated that online platform companies are silent on all these demands. The government should immediately intervene to address the demands of gig workers.
‘Getting incentives has become difficult’
Sheikh Salahuddin stated that this is not just a protest, but a fight for gig workers’ livelihoods and basic rights. Gig workers’ wages have been reduced for orders. Furthermore, compensation based on distance and time has also been reduced. He stated that this has made it difficult for workers to receive incentives and has been arbitrarily changed. As a result, gig workers are earning less than before and having to work harder to fulfill orders.
‘Gig workers are being exploited’
He also pointed out that gig workers are being exploited through online algorithms. A 10-minute delivery means more pressure to deliver. In this situation, driving at high speeds increases the risk of accidents and mental stress. Gig workers are not machines, but incentives for long hours force them to work for 10 hours.
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