The Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) has called for a five-hour nationwide shutdown on May 11, demanding immediate government intervention to address rising fuel costs and ensure fair wages for gig workers. The strike, scheduled from 12 PM to 5 PM, aims to highlight the financial strain on app-based drivers and delivery workers across India 12.
IFAT, which represents over 300,000 app-based transport workers in India, stated that the strike is a response to the 'unbearable' increase in fuel prices, which has significantly reduced take-home earnings. The union has demanded a rollback of fuel prices to levels that existed six months ago and the implementation of a transparent fare structure to protect workers' livelihoods 12.
The union's demands include a minimum wage guarantee for gig workers, social security benefits, and recognition under labor laws. IFAT has also called for a meeting with government officials and representatives from ride-hailing and delivery platforms such as Ola, Uber, Swiggy, and Zomato to negotiate a sustainable wage model 1.
In a statement, IFAT national president Shaik Salauddin said, 'The rising cost of fuel has made it impossible for gig workers to sustain their families. Platforms have not adjusted fares to match the increased expenses, leaving workers with no choice but to protest.' Salauddin added that the union has been engaging with platforms for months but has received no concrete solutions 12.
The strike call comes amid growing discontent among gig workers in India, who have staged multiple protests in recent months over issues such as arbitrary deactivations, lack of transparency in earnings, and inadequate safety measures. In March, gig workers in Delhi and Mumbai held demonstrations demanding better pay and working conditions 2.
Ride-hailing and delivery platforms have faced criticism for their opaque algorithms, which workers claim often result in unfair penalties and reduced earnings. A recent report by the Fairwork India project at the Oxford Internet Institute ranked Indian gig platforms poorly on fair pay and working conditions, citing the lack of a living wage for most workers 1.
The gig economy in India has grown rapidly, with an estimated 8 million workers engaged in app-based jobs. However, the sector remains largely unregulated, with workers classified as 'independent contractors' rather than employees, denying them benefits such as health insurance, provident fund, and paid leave 2.
In response to previous protests, some platforms have introduced temporary incentives or fuel subsidies, but workers argue these measures are insufficient and unsustainable. IFAT has urged the central government to formulate a national policy for gig workers, including provisions for social security and dispute resolution mechanisms 1.