Visakhapatnam Gig Workers Demand Fair Pay and Better Working Conditions

Around 40,000 gig workers delivering for Swiggy and Zomato in Visakhapatnam district have approached joint collector K. Mayur Ashok. They cited concerns over job security, income stability, and social benefits.

Many of these workers hold higher education degrees but turned to gig work after failing to find traditional employment. Several have been working in the delivery sector for over seven years. They highlighted the absence of a support system for work-related problems and financial difficulties caused by rising fuel costs, living expenses, and unpredictable earnings.

Over the past three months, the workers attempted to contact Swiggy’s management but received no response. They have now submitted a formal letter to the joint collector outlining their concerns. They also expressed disappointment that the Labour Commissioner has not taken action on their issues.

The letter outlines several demands aimed at improving working conditions and income stability:

Restoration of rider IDs removed by the platforms

Implementation of a minimum guaranteed wage

Relaxation of strict pick-up time rules

Introduction of a uniform incentive policy

Payment of cancellation fees for dropped orders

Increase in base fares to at least Rs 30, with compensation rates of Rs 10 per kilometre during regular hours and Rs 12 during peak hours, without deductions

Workers noted that earnings were reasonable when petrol was Rs 76 per litre. With the current price at Rs 108 per litre and increased working hours and delivery volumes, their net income has fallen. They are calling for a single, transparent rate card for all riders to ensure fair pay.