The Gig workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services. They demand higher kilometre-based payment rates from digital platforms and government action following the recent increase in petrol, diesel, and LPG prices.
Gig workers demand 5 hour national shutdown
In a statement issued yesterday, the union urged gig and platform workers connected to various app-based companies to participate in a temporary shutdown of services from 12 PM to 5 PM today.
Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which include disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, oil marketing companies raised petrol and diesel prices by about ₹3 per litre yesterday. This change marks one of the first significant nationwide fuel price hikes in nearly four years.
Demand minimum pay of Rs 20 per km
Following the price increase, petrol prices in Delhi rose to approximately ₹97.77 per litre, while diesel prices reached ₹90.67 per litre.
GIPSWU claims that the fuel price hike will heavily impact lakhs of gig workers. They say rising fuel costs and stagnant payouts are worsening the earnings of workers.
GIPSWU president Seema Singh noted that increasing fuel and LPG prices are adding financial strain on workers, particularly delivery workers linked to platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit, especially during the severe heatwave.
The union is calling for a central law for them and a minimum service rate of ₹20 per kilometre. They pointed out that while fuel, maintenance, and transportation costs keep rising, platform companies have mainly kept payment structures steady.
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