Gig Workers Call Five-Hour Shutdown
App-based gig workers across India called a five-hour nationwide shutdown on Saturday to protest the recent petrol and diesel price hike and low payment rates on platform-based services.
Gig Workers Protest Fuel Price Hike
The Gig and Platform Services Workers Union called on app-based cab drivers, delivery partners and other platform workers to stop work from 12 pm to 5 pm.
The union said the rise in fuel prices has directly increased the operating cost for workers who depend on petrol and diesel vehicles for daily earnings. Workers argued that while fuel expenses have gone up, platform companies have not made matching changes in fares, incentives or per-delivery payments.
App-Based Services Face Disruption
The shutdown was expected to affect ride-hailing, food delivery and other app-based services in several cities. Gig workers said they were already facing pressure from vehicle loans, maintenance costs, insurance and platform commissions.
The protest comes after petrol and diesel prices were raised by up to ₹3 per litre across major cities. The hike has sharpened concerns among workers whose income depends heavily on daily travel distance and fuel efficiency.
Union Demands Better Pay Structure
The workers’ union has demanded that platform companies revise payment structures to reflect higher fuel costs. It also called for stronger social security protections and fairer treatment for gig workers.
The protest has brought renewed attention to the financial vulnerability of India’s platform workforce. With fuel prices affecting both workers and consumers, the issue is likely to remain part of the larger debate on gig economy regulation and worker protection.
