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India's Gig Workers Strike for Dignity and Fair Pay
2 Jan
Summary
- Delivery workers demand fair pay and an end to 10-minute delivery targets.
- Automated systems penalize workers for delays, impacting their ratings.
- Workers seek social security, including health insurance and pensions.
Tens of thousands of app-based delivery workers across India initiated a strike around New Year's Eve, protesting demanding fair pay, dignity, and safety. A major point of contention is the requirement to deliver groceries within a 10-minute window across a three-kilometer radius, a challenging feat in India's congested urban environments.
The workers are also raising concerns about algorithmic management, where automated systems penalize them for delivery delays and negatively affect their performance ratings. Furthermore, they are advocating for robust social security benefits, including health insurance and pension plans, aspects often neglected as most platforms classify riders as independent contractors rather than employees.
This strike underscores the significant disparities in India's rapidly expanding quick commerce sector, valued in the billions of dollars. While companies prioritize speed for market share, the workers face immense pressure, low earnings, and the risk of accidents, pushing them to demand better working conditions and legal protections.
