Gig Workers’ Bandh in Pune Disrupted Transportation Services, Highlights Urgent Demands

Pune, 26th October 2023: Around 80,000 gig workers in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad observed a bandh on yesterday (Wednesday), impacting essential services such as passenger transportation and food delivery. The pause in operations by workers of Ola, Uber, and food delivery giant Zomato left citizens grappling with transportation challenges.

The bandh, orchestrated by the Indian Gig Workers Front, was executed to press for the implementation of the Maharashtra Gig Workers Act and Maharashtra Cab Aggregator Rules within the state. The gig workers community, spanning various sectors, rallied behind this cause, outlining specific demands for their welfare.

Key Demands:

1. Gig Workers Registration and Welfare Act: Advocates for the enactment of a comprehensive act similar to Rajasthan to safeguard gig workers’ rights and well-being.
2. Protection from Company Extortion: Demands measures to shield gig workers from exploitative practices by companies.
3. Implementation of Cab Aggregator Guidelines: Urges the prompt adoption of the Cab Aggregator Guidelines 2020, in line with a Supreme Court order, to regulate the sector.
4. Fair Cab Fares: Calls for the fixing of cab fares based on the recommendations of the Khatua Committee to ensure equitable compensation for gig workers.

Impact on Transportation:

The bandh had a palpable effect on transportation services, with disruptions in Ola, Uber, and other essential services. Autorickshaw and cab drivers’ refusal to work exacerbated the situation, leaving many passengers unable to secure rides. Some companies deployed their self-owned cabs, but the surge in demand led to elevated prices, particularly impacting travelers arriving at Pune airport.

Challenges Faced by Gig Workers:

1. Lack of Support: Gig workers face a dearth of both online and offline support, compounding their challenges.
2. Unjust Penalties: Drivers and delivery personnel experience arbitrary blocking of IDs and hefty fines without proper investigations into customer complaints.
3. Exorbitant Brokers: Gig workers report extortionate practices by brokers to reinstate blocked IDs, adding financial strain.
4. Deceptive Practices: Complaints abound regarding discrepancies between the distance shown on the app and the actual distance traveled, resulting in lower payments.
5. Unfair Competition: Intense competition among companies forces gig workers to operate at rates as low as Rs 8-9 per kilometer, severely impacting their livelihoods.
6. Illegal Usage of Vehicles: Allegations of companies illegally deploying white number plate taxis for tourist bookings, disadvantaging legitimate yellow plate businesses.

Call for Justice:

Dr. Keshav Kshirsagar, President of the Indian Gig Workers Front in Pune, emphasized the need for justice and presented a detailed set of demands to the Collector. A forthcoming meeting is anticipated to address these concerns and seek resolution.

This bandh underscores the pressing need for comprehensive regulations and support mechanisms for gig workers, who play a vital role in the urban service landscape. The ball is now in the court of authorities to address these concerns and ensure a fair and just working environment for gig workers in Maharashtra.