Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Gig Workers Strike Over Exploitation Concerns
Gig workers in India are going on strike today.
They are protesting because they feel they are being treated unfairly by the companies they work for.
The workers' union, GIPSWU, wants the government to recognize them officially and make new laws to protect them.
They are upset about things like being blocked from working without a good reason, not being able to complain effectively, and not earning enough money.
Women workers also face extra problems like not being safe and being harassed.
The union says the government is not doing enough to help them.
Some delivery companies have stopped promising to deliver things in just 10 minutes, but the union says the government has not officially said anything about this.
The government has suggested some new rules to help gig workers, but the union is still not happy and is planning more protests.
Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) calls for a nationwide 'online' strike today, followed by physical protests on February 3.
The union demands formal recognition of workers and a comprehensive Central law to address systemic exploitation and insecurity.
Key issues raised include arbitrary ID blocking, unfair rating systems, income insecurity, and lack of effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Women workers face heightened vulnerabilities, including safety risks, lack of legal protection, and harassment.
The government has proposed a minimum 90-day work requirement for gig workers to access certain employee benefits, but the union remains critical of the lack of action on their concerns.
- Who
- Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) and gig workers in India
- What
- Nationwide 'online' strike and protests against systemic exploitation and insecurity in the platform economy
- When
- Today (February 2, 2024) and February 3, 2024
- Where
- India, with a focus on gig and platform service workers
- Why
- To demand formal recognition, comprehensive Central law, and address issues like arbitrary ID blocking, unfair rating systems, and income insecurity
- Strike Date
- Today (February 2, 2024)
- Follow-up Protest Date
- February 3, 2024
- Union Name
- Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU)
- Key Demands
- Formal recognition of workers, comprehensive Central law, and addressing systemic exploitation
- Issues Raised
- Arbitrary ID blocking, unfair rating systems, income insecurity, and lack of grievance redressal
- Women Workers' Concerns
- Safety risks, lack of legal protection, and harassment
- Government's Proposed Rule
- Minimum 90-day work requirement for gig workers to access certain employee benefits
- Platforms' Response to 10-Minute Delivery
- Dropped the promise without a public written order
