Amid the ongoing tensions between consumer platforms and their gig workers, Delhi-based Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a nationwide strike today. As part of this, it has called on gig and platform service workers to switch off their respective apps today. The Union said that this “online” protest will be followed by nationwide physical protests on February 3. It is protesting against what it calls systemic exploitation and insecurity in the platform economy. It is demanding formal recognition of workers and the enactment of a comprehensive Central law governing gig and platform work. The GIPSWU flagged persistent issues such as arbitrary ID blocking, “opaque and unfair” rating systems, income insecurity, unilateral changes in work policies, and the absence of effective grievance redressal mechanisms. The Union highlighted that women workers face heightened vulnerabilities, including safety risks, lack of legal protection, and harassment. It alleged that workers who raise grievances or participate in protests are often threatened with or subjected to ID blocking, effectively cutting off their livelihoods. “ID blocking has become a tool to silence workers, and the continued inaction of the government reflects a disregard for our dignity, safety, and constitutional rights,” the Union said.… Read MoreInc42 Media
