Food delivery workers associated with major online platforms have launched a strike in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, bringing their demands for fair wages and social security benefits to the forefront. The agitation, which has seen support across Maharashtra, highlights the growing unrest among gig economy workers over working conditions and pay structures.
Core Demands and Union Leadership
The strikers, organized under the Gig Workers' Union, have presented a clear list of demands to both the companies and the government. Nitesh Chauhan, a union leader, articulated the primary concerns. He stated that workers are demanding a minimum rate of Rs 15 per kilometre for deliveries. Beyond pay, the union is pushing for a guaranteed minimum wage, comprehensive social security coverage, and health insurance provisions.
Chauhan emphasized the need for systemic change, calling for government regulation of online food delivery companies. "We also demand regulation of working hours and rest periods and general protection of gig workers' rights," he said, outlining the broader struggle for dignity and stability in the sector.
Timeline of the Agitation and Official Response
The industrial action in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been ongoing since December 22. According to another union leader, Laxman Arya, the strike has successfully garnered official attention. "The divisional assistant labour commissioner has taken cognisance of the issues and demands raised by us. It is for the first time that our demands have received official attention," Arya noted, marking a significant step for the movement.
The Labour Department had earlier summoned officials of a food delivery service provider for a hearing on December 23, based on a memorandum from the union. However, the company representatives did not appear, leading to the hearing being rescheduled for January 1. This development underscores the ongoing dialogue, or lack thereof, between the workers and the platforms.
State-Wide Solidarity and Future Steps
The strike in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is not an isolated incident. The workers reported receiving support at the state level, with a token strike observed across Maharashtra on Thursday. This shows the widespread nature of the grievances among delivery partners working for various app-based platforms.
Union leaders have expressed a firm resolve to continue their fight. Laxman Arya affirmed, "We will continue to fight for the rights of gig workers." The situation puts a spotlight on the evolving labour landscape in India, where the traditional frameworks of worker protection are struggling to keep pace with the rise of the gig economy. The outcome of the rescheduled hearing on January 1 and the government's willingness to intervene will be crucial in determining the next phase of this movement.
