Gig workers hold online strike on republic day; nationwide protests planned on February 3

By A Representative 

Gig and platform service workers across the country observed a nationwide online strike on Republic Day, responding to a call given by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) to protest what it described as exploitation, insecurity and denial of basic worker rights in the platform economy. The union said women gig workers led the January 26 action by switching off their work apps as a mark of protest.

According to GIPSWU, workers associated with ride-hailing, food and grocery delivery, domestic services, beauty and wellness, logistics, e-commerce and digital services participated in the online strike. The union has also announced nationwide physical protests at multiple locations on February 3.

In a statement, the union said gig and platform workers continue to face arbitrary blocking of worker IDs, opaque rating systems, income insecurity, lack of grievance redressal mechanisms and unilateral changes in work policies. It alleged that women workers face additional risks related to safety, dignity and legal protection. The union claimed that several incidents involving disputes over payment to women workers have escalated into scuffles and assaults, with videos circulating on social media.

GIPSWU further alleged that when women workers report grievances to companies, automated systems delay resolution and, in many cases, the workers ultimately face ID blocking, resulting in loss of livelihood. The union claimed that some women workers are removed from platforms despite having paid registration amounts of up to Rs. 50,000, and alleged that workers are threatened with ID blocking if they attempt to participate in protests or speak to the media.

The union also questioned what it termed the government’s silence on the issue of ID blocking, stating that thousands of workers have already been affected. It cited public statements by senior executives of app-based companies regarding large-scale terminations and said workers from platforms such as Urban Company have expressed fear of speaking openly to the media.

GIPSWU said it has made repeated representations to the Government of India, including to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, but its demands remain unresolved. Referring to a recent announcement by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on discontinuing 10-minute instant delivery systems, the union said no written notification has been made public, raising questions about the government’s commitment to addressing systemic issues faced by gig workers.

The union reiterated its key demands, including enactment of a comprehensive Central law for gig and platform service workers; an immediate ban on arbitrary ID blocking, unfair rating systems and auto-assign mechanisms; higher income rates; transparent grievance redressal systems; workplace safety measures, including emergency features in apps; and mandatory consultation with workers before changes in work conditions.

Calling the January 26 strike a democratic assertion of rights, GIPSWU appealed to Members of Parliament, trade unions, women’s organisations, civil society groups and the public to support the February 3 nationwide protests and what it described as the constitutional struggle of gig and platform service workers for dignity, safety and justice.