The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services today, from 12 PM to 5 PM. The union says rising fuel costs after a roughly ₹3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel will squeeze earnings for lakhs of gig workers, arguing that platform payouts have stayed largely unchanged. It demands a central law, legal protections, and a minimum kilometre-based service rate of ₹20 per km, citing stagnant delivery charges and NITI Aayog estimates of rapid gig-worker growth.
Gig and Platform Service Workers Union has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services on Friday, from 12 pm to 5 pm, to protest rising fuel prices and stagnant pay. The union wants the government and digital platforms to revise per-kilometre service rates, arguing higher fuel costs are squeezing earnings for delivery riders and drivers. It cited fuel hikes of about Rs 3 per litre and warned that without rate changes, many may exit the sector.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
The government has mandated that gig aggregators register workers by uploading their details to a central portal within 45 days under the Code on Social Security, 2020. If social security contributions are delayed, a 12% annual interest charge applies. The new compliance rules also require real-time recording of worker appointments and exits, tightening monitoring and reporting.
New rules say gig aggregators will be charged 12% annual interest if they delay social security contributions for their workers. Aggregators must upload worker details to a central portal within 45 days, and must register new joins and exits in real time or daily, depending on the requirement. The move aims to ensure gig workers get timely social security benefits.
App-based transport workers, through IFAT, have written to India’s labour ministry seeking mandatory heatwave protection under the Code on Social Security, 2020. They’re asking for paid breaks and guaranteed access to water while working. The push comes as heatwaves worsen and firms may struggle with rider availability, with IFAT pointing to protections adopted in other countries.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.
