Maharashtra Gig Workers Join Nationwide Strike Despite Platform Incentives
The nationwide gig workers' strike has expanded to include Maharashtra, with Mumbai delivery partners likely participating despite enhanced incentives from platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. Police are monitoring the situation closely to prevent incidents during New Year's Eve peak demand, while unions claim over 1.70 lakh workers nationwide are protesting for better pay and working conditions.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
A nationwide strike by gig workers on December 31 demanding better pay and working conditions has expanded to include Maharashtra, with Mumbai delivery partners likely to participate despite major platforms maintaining operations through enhanced incentive programs. The strike, organized by multiple worker unions, now faces police monitoring in Maharashtra as authorities prepare for potential service disruptions during one of the busiest ordering periods of the year.
Maharashtra Participation and Police Response
Gig and platform workers from Mumbai and Maharashtra are likely to participate in the nationwide strike, according to officials. Maharashtra Police are keeping a close watch on developments related to the strike involving workers of app-based food delivery platforms, with coordination efforts underway between employers and strike organizers to prevent untoward incidents.
| Monitoring Aspect: | Details |
|---|---|
| Police Status: | Close monitoring of strike developments |
| Expected Impact: | App-based delivery services may be affected |
| Coordination: | Active dialogue between police, employers, and organizers |
| Timing Concern: | New Year's Eve peak demand period |
Police officials stated they are not anticipating major issues but acknowledged that app-based delivery services may be impacted. The strike may affect operations of food delivery and quick commerce firms like Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto during New Year's Eve when demand reaches all-time highs.
Strike Participation and Union Claims
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) claimed substantial participation in the nationwide strike. According to their joint statement, over 1.70 lakh delivery and app-based workers across India confirmed participation, with numbers expected to rise further. The unions stated that workers associated with major platforms stayed away from work to protest falling earnings, unsafe delivery pressure, and loss of dignity at work.
The December 31 strike followed an earlier action on December 25, which saw thousands of delivery workers log off platforms across Telangana and other regions. The unions expressed frustration over companies' silence following the previous strike, citing no rollback of reduced payouts, no dialogue with workers, and no concrete assurances on safety or working hours.
Platform Response and Incentive Programs
Despite the expanded strike participation, major food delivery and quick commerce platforms maintained operations by implementing enhanced incentive structures. Company insiders described preparations as standard protocols for high-demand periods, though the Maharashtra participation adds complexity to service management.
| Platform: | Incentive Details |
|---|---|
| Zomato: | ₹120-150 per order during peak hours (6 PM - 12 AM) |
| Up to ₹3,000 earnings per day (subject to order volumes) | |
| Temporary waiver on order denial and cancellation penalties | |
| Swiggy: | Up to ₹10,000 earnings across December 31 and January 1 |
| Up to ₹2,000 for six-hour peak period (6 PM - 12 AM) |
An Eternal spokesperson, the parent company of Zomato and Blinkit brands, emphasized that enhanced incentives were part of standard annual operating protocol during festive periods, which typically see higher earning opportunities due to increased demand.
Union Demands and Regulatory Gaps
The striking workers' primary demands centered on better payouts, improved working conditions, enhanced safety measures, and regulated working hours. The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union called for collective action to address rights, welfare, and dignity concerns of gig and platform workers across India.
Supporting the striking workers, AITUC general secretary Amarjeet Kaur advocated for granting gig workers the status of industrial workers. She highlighted that while platforms typically refer to these workers as "partners," there is no mention of gig workers in three out of four labor codes, indicating a regulatory gap in worker protection and rights.
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