Blinkit, a goods-delivery app, faces employee accusations of exploitation and plans for a recent strike against the company’s flat payout policy.
On 9 January 2024 in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, the App Employees Ekta Union (AEEU) protested against Blinkit, alleging the company’s assault on delivery workers. The workers are frustrated with wage cuts and layoffs by app-based delivery companies. Earlier, on 8 January 2024, Blinkit employees near Khirki village were intimidated when discussing wage cuts with the store manager. The next day, when they tried to express their views, the company management reportedly summoned individuals to manhandle them.
The union accused Blinkit management of beating a worker. When the police arrived, they allegedly mistreated union leaders instead of addressing the worker’s concerns. More union members protested, denouncing the illegal and wrong treatment of workers by Blinkit and the Delhi Police.
Surya Prakash, Delhi secretary, All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), highlighted that while these app companies are making more profits, workers are facing continuous payment cuts.
The AEEU has approached the Delhi lieutenant governor and chief minister, expressing concerns, but the government is not willing to discuss the issues, allowing app companies to make arbitrary decisions. The union is urging the Delhi government to address worker demands and engage in talks to end exploitation.
Workers are particularly against the new flat payout rate, leading to reduced earnings from Rs 25–32 per order to barely Rs 1,000 for a 12-hour work day. The company’s implementation of this flat payout structure is causing distress among delivery partners.
