Gig and platform workers across India went on a nationwide strike on December 31, a day ahead of the New Year, protesting what they describe as unfair policies by app-based companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and Amazon. The protest was called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and supported by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT). Union leaders said repeated appeals to companies had gone unanswered, forcing workers to take collective action. The workers are demanding the restoration of an earlier payout system, withdrawal of 10-minute delivery models, protection against arbitrary account deactivations, transparency in algorithm-based pay systems, and the introduction of social security benefits, including insurance and welfare measures. The strike aims to draw the attention of policymakers and platform companies to the growing challenges faced by India’s gig workforce.
