New Delhi, May 16: The recent hike in petrol and diesel prices has sparked significant unrest among gig and app-based workers across the country. The Gig and Platform Workers Union (GIPSWU) has announced a major protest against the government and digital platform companies.
The union demands that app-based delivery and transport workers receive a minimum payment of ₹20 per kilometer. Additionally, they have called for a nationwide temporary shutdown of app services on Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM.
According to the union, the increase of nearly ₹3 per liter in fuel prices on May 15 has exacerbated the financial struggles of millions of gig workers. GIPSWU notes that this marks the first significant national increase in fuel prices in nearly four years.
The union claims that around 12 million gig and platform workers will be directly affected by this decision, including those involved in food delivery, transport, logistics, and other app-based services.
GIPSWU attributes the rise in fuel prices to increasing international crude oil costs and ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Union president Seema Singh stated that the rise in petrol and diesel prices, along with previous increases in LPG cylinder costs, has placed immense economic pressure on workers.
She warned that if the payment structure is not revised soon, many gig workers may be forced to leave the sector. Seema Singh urged the government and companies like Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit to establish a minimum service rate of ₹20 per kilometer for delivery and transport workers.
She emphasized that employees associated with these platforms often work long hours in extreme heat and adverse weather conditions, making them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of rising fuel costs.
The union has appealed to gig workers nationwide to participate in the protest by keeping app-based services shut on Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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