Women gig workers lead nationwide protest seeking fair wages and social security
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Thousands of gig and platform service workers, led largely by women, staged nationwide protests on Tuesday, accusing digital platform companies of widespread exploitation and demanding fair wages, social security, and legal protection.
The demonstrations were organised by the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union and held across several states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Protests took place in major cities as well as multiple districts.
Following the demonstrations, workers submitted a Memorandum of Demands to the offices of Chief Ministers, urging governments to intervene and address the lack of a comprehensive and enforceable legal framework for gig and platform work.
At Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, hundreds of workers associated with platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Urban Company, Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart gathered to highlight what they described as routine violations of labour and human rights.
Protesters alleged unregulated algorithmic control, arbitrary penalties, ID blocking, absence of social security, and unsafe working conditions.
GIPSWU president Seema Singh said the union has been demanding legal recognition for gig workers for more than six years. She alleged that workers who raise complaints often face threats or loss of work, adding that exploitation will continue without a separate law.
Several women workers recounted cases of assault, sexual harassment, and unfair penalties, claiming companies failed to act on complaints. Union leaders said nearly 48 lakh gig workers earn less than Rs 15,000 a month and criticised the lack of measures for the sector in the Union Budget 2026.