Swiggy, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms, is grappling with a strike by its delivery workers in Mumbai, which has now entered its third day. The protest is in response to recent changes to the workers’ rate cards and an increase in their delivery radius, which impacts their earnings.
Swiggy’s delivery personnel, like those in the gig economy, are paid on a per-order basis, and they are not considered full-time employees of the company. The changes in their compensation structure have sparked widespread discontent among the workforce.
The initial protests were initiated by members of the Rashtriya Karmachari Sena in Bandra, Mumbai. However, the movement quickly gained momentum, leading to sporadic protests across the city. Mumbai is a crucial market for Swiggy, and these disruptions have caused delays and service unavailability in many parts of the city.
Delivery workers have expressed concerns that while their base pay remains at Rs 20, their delivery radius has been expanded from 4 km to 6 km, making it harder to complete deliveries efficiently. The total compensation for delivery workers typically includes a base pay, along with additional amounts to cover travel expenses and other factors.
Due to the ongoing protests, Swiggy users in Mumbai are experiencing difficulties with their orders. Some have taken to social media to voice their concerns and grievances, highlighting extended delivery times and service unavailability.
One user tweeted, “@SwiggyInstamart @Swiggy It has been more than 2.5 hours since my order on Instamart. The support person says there are no delivery people (in central Mumbai, BKC) and don’t know how much more time it will take. But the thing that bothers me is restaurant orders are working BAU?”
Another user expressed frustration with the situation, saying, “Why is the Swiggy Instamart app not working since two days in Versova area, Mumbai? It shows we’re currently closed since yesterday @Swiggy @SwiggyInstamart @SwiggyCares.”
The ongoing strike highlights the challenges faced by gig economy workers in India and the ongoing debates surrounding workers’ rights, fair compensation, and labor conditions within the rapidly expanding food delivery industry.
Swiggy has yet to issue an official statement regarding the ongoing protests, but the situation underscores the importance of addressing the concerns of gig workers and ensuring a fair and equitable working environment in the delivery sector.
