Petrol and diesel price hikes have now started affecting app-based delivery and cab services. Therefore, the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union, or GIPSWU, has announced a protest. The union said gig workers will switch off apps on Friday. Moreover, they will protest from 12 pm to 5 pm.
According to the union, fuel prices have hit delivery boys and drivers the hardest. Workers serving Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber, and Rapido depend on bikes and scooters. As a result, higher petrol and diesel costs reduce their daily savings.
Union Demands ₹20 Per Kilometre
Now, the union wants companies to fix a minimum service rate. It has demanded at least ₹20 per kilometre for gig workers. Moreover, GIPSWU said fuel costs rise immediately after petrol-diesel hikes. However, companies do not increase delivery charges or per-kilometre payments.
GIPSWU president Seema Singh said delivery workers already face heavy pressure. They work long hours during intense heat. Now, higher fuel prices have made their problems worse. She added that workers may intensify the movement later. However, companies must first decide on higher payments.
Over 1.2 Crore Workers Face Impact
Meanwhile, GIPSWU national coordinator Nirmal Gorana shared the wider impact. He said India has nearly 1 crore 20 lakh gig and platform workers. These workers include people from food delivery, grocery delivery, logistics, and cab services.
He added that fuel price hikes directly hurt their earnings. These workers pay for petrol, vehicle service, and other expenses from their own pockets. Therefore, every fuel hike reduces their take-home income.
Union Also Seeks Government Action
Additionally, the union has urged the government to intervene. It wants guidelines for app-based companies to raise payments. This step, according to the union, can stop workers from carrying the full fuel burden.
Finally, GIPSWU said Friday’s protest will remain peaceful. The union said its goal focuses on workers’ financial distress. Through this protest, it wants companies and the government to hear gig workers’ concerns.
