Nationwide Gig Workers’ Strike Disrupts Online Services in Pune and Mumbai
Pune, 31st October 2024: Gig workers across various online platforms have called a strike today (31st October) to celebrate Diwali by switching off their mobiles and observing a digital silence. This action, organized by the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), is expected to significantly disrupt services, causing inconvenience to customers on the festive day.
GIPSWU, the country’s first women-led gig workers’ union, has called for the nationwide strike, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 gig workers in Maharashtra alone expected to participate. Major cities, including Mumbai and Pune, will see gig workers from platforms such as Ola, Swiggy, Zomato, and Urban Company halting operations. As a result, citizens will face a day without access to these online services.
Nisha Pawar, the Maharashtra in-charge of GIPSWU, highlighted the exploitation and unfair treatment faced by gig workers. “Gig workers are denied their basic rights, including minimum wages, health, and safety protections. They often work under oppressive conditions and face discrimination, and there have even been incidents of violence against them,” she stated. “This strike is aimed at securing justice for gig workers.”
The union’s primary demand is for gig workers to be recognized as formal employees, granting them access to the same benefits as traditional workers. If this recognition is achieved, gig workers would become eligible for employee provident funds, pensions, insurance schemes, and other social security benefits.
“We have basic demands, including the abolition of oppressive conditions imposed by companies, guaranteed minimum wages, safe working environments, and transparent procedures. Additionally, we urge the government to establish a regulatory framework for online platforms,” Pawar added.