Delivery personnel working for Swiggy and Instamart in Pune’s Warje, went on a strike for two days in protest against the attempt to introduce a new income policy structure. The gig workers felt that the changes, though brought about as a trial, would lead to lesser income for them. In fact, they feel it will reduce their income by half. About 50 of Swiggy’s delivery personnel boycotted work for two days because the company was eliminating the daily incentives, which resulted in earnings of Rs 15 to 20 per order. Effective 3 June 2024.
While they were reportedly earning Rs 8,000 per week, they changes in pay structure would result in an earning of about Rs 4,000 per week only. The minimum guarantee of Rs 600 on completion of 40 orders in a day had been reduced to Rs 400, and that too on completion on 34 orders a day. They were also being deprived of the incentives of Rs 220 based on the time slots and delivery charge of Rs 20 per order, which totaled about Rs 900 per day.
The All India Gig Workers Union (AIGWU) in Pune believes that the changes in policy were being tested out in a smaller area such as Warje so that the bigger cities do not face much disruption because of worker resistance.
Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, women working as partners for Urban Company also stayed away from work in protest against the new work conditions. The gig workers claim that discussions with the company have not borne fruit.
According to Mission Shakti launched by Urban Company, it is mandatory for the partners to earn a 4.8 rating. The company permits only two cancellations per worker per month. If this limit is exceeded their job is at risk.
The hundreds of partners who participated in the protest were members of the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), affiliated to the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT). They felt the work conditions were pathetic and tantamount to slavery, as reported by Inc41. The unions may take the strike beyond Bengaluru if required.
