Pune : Office-goers face inconvenience by gig worker’s strike

By: Pune Pulse

October 26, 2023

Pune: On Wednesday, residents of Pune faced notable difficulties as they were unable to access app-based services like cabs, auto rickshaws, and food delivery throughout the city. 

This disruption was a result of a strike organized by gig workers, including delivery agents from Swiggy and Zomato, as well as cab drivers from Ola and Uber in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

The purpose of this strike was to demand the implementation of organized labour laws that would protect the rights of gig workers. 

The ‘Indian Gig Workers Front’ committee in Maharashtra is advocating for a law that would prevent the exploitation of gig workers and ensure they receive social security and welfare benefits similar to those provided by the ‘Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Act, 2023’ and the Union government’s ‘Social Code 2020’ Labor Code.

A user on the X platform shared their experience during the strike, noting that the absence of Ola and Uber drivers in Pune led office-goers to seek rides from unfamiliar individuals. Despite offering Rs 1000 for a 7km ride, they were unable to find transportation. 

This situation highlights the challenges faced when a city has an insufficient public transport system. According to reports, the recent strike has had a significant impact on the country’s economy, affecting various sectors and aspects of economic activity. Businesses across different industries have experienced substantial financial losses due to decreased sales and revenue.

As per the information received, in Pune, there has been a noticeable decline of 10.3 percent in the number of job seekers compared to the first week of October. This decline serves as a clear indication of the potential consequences that can arise when labor concerns are not addressed.