By Gig Workers Protest Unfair Working Conditions
Tens of thousands of app-based delivery workers in India went on strike, highlighting the intense pressure and unsafe conditions they face. Workers are demanding fair pay, dignity, safety, and social security, while protesting the aggressive 10-minute delivery promises enforced by companies like Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, and Zomato.
The strike, organized by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, involved over 200,000 delivery personnel who challenged automated systems that penalize delays and reduce their ratings. Drivers also seek comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, pensions, and accident coverage, which are largely absent due to their classification as independent contractors.
Extreme Delivery Pressure
Many drivers report extreme workloads, often covering 35–40 deliveries daily and riding long hours in traffic-heavy cities. One driver shared that he must deliver 1 km in 3–4 minutes and 4 km in about 10 minutes, frequently taking risks like jumping red lights to meet targets.
Low pay remains a critical concern. One driver earns only 5 rupees per order, after expenses for fuel, maintenance, and meals, leaving minimal income for family needs. Many workers rely on these jobs due to limited alternatives, despite the physical risks and financial instability.
Corporate Response and Safety Concerns
Companies defend fast delivery targets, citing the dense network of stores and optimized logistics that enable rapid service. Swiggy and Zomato claim operations continued largely unaffected by strikes, while unions counter that workers comply out of financial necessity, not fair treatment.
Experts warn the gig economy model in India often formalizes informal labor, embedding job insecurity and minimal benefits into structured corporate frameworks. Despite government labor reforms and state-level social security laws, implementation remains slow and inconsistent.
The Road Ahead
The strike has drawn attention to the human cost of rapid commerce in India, emphasizing the need for transparent policies, fair compensation, and worker safety. With India’s gig workforce projected to grow rapidly, addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable growth and ethical employment practices.
