Gig and Platform Workers Announce Nationwide Strike Against Systemic Exclusion and Exploitation

Unions representing gig and platform workers in India have announced a nationwide strike to protest against "systemic exclusion" from core labor entitlements and constitutional guarantees. The Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has submitted a demand charter to the Union Labour Minister, calling for the legal recognition of platform workers as 'workers' under labor laws rather than 'partners'. Key demands include the discontinuation of 10-20 minute delivery mandates to ensure worker safety and immediate government intervention to stop pervasive harassment and discrimination in the food delivery and taxi service sectors.

Key Points

  • Gig workers are currently classified as 'partners', which excludes them from benefits like minimum wage, insurance, and social security.
  • The strike highlights the severe implications for India's growth if the issues of the gig workforce remain unaddressed.
  • Unions are demanding the removal of strict delivery timelines that compromise the safety of delivery personnel on the road.
  • The protest aims to secure immediate government intervention to address harassment and violence faced by workers in the segment.

Exam Facts

  • The strike was organized by the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU).
  • The demand charter was submitted to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

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All current affairs of 31 December 2025