Gig workers’ nationwide strike: why are they protesting?
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Employment & inclusive growth· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Delivery workers and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) launched a nationwide strike against quick e-commerce platforms to demand fair wages and social security.
Background
The protests occurred on December 31, 2025, across several cities in India. Workers cited falling incomes, arbitrary ID blocking, and police harassment as primary grievances against the platform economy model.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyIFAT: Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers
- FactProtests occurred on December 31, 2025, impacting quick e-commerce services
- FactDemands include fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security
For Mains
Q. Discuss the structural challenges faced by gig workers in India's platform economy and suggest measures to ensure their social security and dignity.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory vacuum: Lack of formal labor protections for platform-based 'independent' contractors
- Income volatility: Erosion of take-home pay due to algorithmic management and high commission structures
- Social security gap: Absence of employer-provided benefits like health insurance and provident funds
Keywords: Gig economy · Platform economy · Social security · Labor rights · Algorithmic management
More Economy notes
- Data centre with focus on e-governance, digital inclusion to be set up in Jaipur · 6 January 2026
- Tamil Nadu’s latest pension scheme seeks to fill inter-generational gap · 6 January 2026
- Supreme Court allows petitioner to approach Centre on timely revision of EPFO wage ceiling · 5 January 2026
- Supreme Court grants relief to Adani Power, sets aside customs duty on SEZ electricity · 5 January 2026
- India is exploring domestic aircraft manufacturing and a joint manufacturing plan with Russia for the SJ-100 plane to counter delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus · 5 January 2026
- Visakh Refinery’s residue upgradation facility is a major milestone for A.P., says CM · 5 January 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.