The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services from 12 pm to 5 pm, urging delivery workers and drivers to protest against rising fuel prices and stagnant pay structures. According to reports from ET Now, customers attempting to book cabs, order food, or arrange deliveries during the strike period were greeted with unwelcome messages such as 'No drivers available' or 'Unserviceable due to high demand'. Major platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Dunzo, Urban Company, Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, Amazon Flex, and Instamart were all affected by the strike action. The union specifically asked drivers and delivery partners linked to food delivery and ride-hailing services to suspend operations during the designated timeframe.
The strike action stems from rising fuel prices that have significantly impacted gig workers' earnings, as reported by ET Now. The workers are protesting against the stagnant pay structures that have failed to keep pace with the increased operational costs. The union's coordinated action across multiple platforms demonstrates the widespread impact of fuel price increases on the gig economy workforce, affecting both delivery and transportation services nationwide. The union specifically demands higher per-kilometre payments and fuel-linked compensation to address the operational cost pressures faced by nearly 1.2 crore gig workers across the sector. After the latest price hike, petrol in Delhi now costs about ₹97.77 per litre, while diesel is priced at ₹90.67 per litre, according to X reports, elevating operating costs for gig workers even as incentive structures and per-kilometre payouts remain mostly unaffected.
The service disruptions have affected millions of customers across India who rely on these platforms for daily needs. According to ET Now, the strike action represents a significant challenge to the gig economy model that has become integral to urban lifestyle and commerce. The coordinated nature of the protest across multiple platforms suggests a unified worker response to economic pressures affecting the entire sector. The union has warned that continued financial pressure could push workers away from gig platforms if reforms are not introduced, highlighting the critical nature of the current worker-platform relationship. As reported by X users, the strike has prompted concerns about balancing fair pay with sustainable pricing for customers who depend on these gig services.
The GIPSWU has made specific demands including an immediate revision in per-kilometre payouts and fuel-linked compensation from both the government and digital platforms. Union President Seema Singh considered the fuel price hike as a 'direct blow' to gig workers already working under extreme heatwave conditions, according to X reports. She specifically urged government and companies to fix a minimum service rate of ₹20 per kilometre and warned that many workers may be forced to leave the sector if relief measures are not introduced. The union's key demands include revision in fare structures, fuel-linked compensation support, and improved earnings for drivers and delivery personnel, as reported by X. Workers are particularly concerned about the impact on delivery personnel working for Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit, who are facing the brunt of rising operational expenses.
