Gig Workers Plan Nationwide Shutdown Over Fuel Prices and Stagnant Pay

Gig and platform service workers are planning a five-hour nationwide shutdown on Friday to protest rising fuel prices and stagnant pay.

The union demands an immediate revision of per-kilometre service rates, warning that increased fuel costs are eroding workers' earnings.

The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services on Friday, urging delivery workers and drivers to protest against rising fuel prices and stagnant pay structures on Saturday.

The union has demanded an immediate revision of per-kilometre service rates and announced a temporary shutdown of app-based services from 12 pm to 5 pm on Friday.

The development follows a nationwide fuel price hike of around Rs 3 per litre by oil marketing companies. In Delhi, petrol prices have risen to about Rs 97.77 per litre and diesel to Rs 90.67. The increase is linked to rising global crude oil prices amid instability in West Asia, including tensions involving Iran and concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

GIPSWU said the hike will directly impact nearly 1.2 crore gig and platform workers, many of whom depend on two-wheelers for delivery and transport services.

The union warned that rising fuel costs, combined with stagnant per-delivery payments, are eroding workers’ daily earnings and could force many to leave the sector.

In a memorandum submitted to the Government of India and major digital platforms, the union said the latest increase in fuel prices has further eroded the already unstable earnings of gig and platform workers.

GIPSWU has asked the Centre to direct app-based companies to revise delivery charges and kilometre-based payment rates so that the burden of higher fuel costs is not passed entirely on to workers.

The union has also sent memorandums to major platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Dunzo, Urban Company, Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, Amazon Flex and Instamart, demanding an immediate increase in per-kilometre rates and compensation for higher operating expenses.

Workers associated with food delivery, grocery, logistics and ride-hailing services typically bear fuel and maintenance costs themselves, making them highly vulnerable to fluctuations in fuel prices, it said.

The union added that the planned protest would be peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to the financial strain faced by gig workers.

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