When the Indian government imposed a brutal lockdown in 2020, gig workers were hailed as Covid-19 heroes. The accolades masked gig workers’ growing discontent with fluctuating payouts and incentives. Now they want their share of the winnings.
Naspers-backed Swiggy, which delivers food and groceries, found itself grappling with driver protests late last week. They have been called off for now, but there is no guarantee they won’t flare up again. Rival Zomato saw some of its fleet strike in March against a reduction in incentives. And last year, Urban Company, which provides home and beauty services, sued its female workers for protesting against rules that the workers say will hurt their earnings. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Ola have witnessed many such actions since their inception.