New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Wednesday voiced his robust support for gig workers nationwide who participated in a symbolic strike, advocating for equitable wages, improved working conditions, and social security from major delivery and e-commerce platforms.

Chadha spent New Year’s Eve engaging with protesting gig workers in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, where delivery partners from various companies gathered to raise awareness about their issues.

The demonstration was peaceful and focused on highlighting the difficulties endured by gig workers, who are an essential segment of India’s urban workforce.

“I spent New Year’s Eve with gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who staged a symbolic strike to make their concerns known,” Chadha shared in a post on X, along with photographs from the event.

He characterized the workers’ demands as “fair and rightful” and expressed solidarity with their push for just wages, dignity at work, and social protection.

The nationwide strike, jointly organized by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), saw thousands of delivery partners across various states either log off their apps or significantly reduce their work.

This protest disrupted services on one of the busiest commercial days of the year, leading to reports of delays and cancellations in multiple cities.

Earlier, in an interview with IANS, Chadha clarified that the strike was not meant to disrupt services but to ensure that the voices of workers reached those in positions of power.

“They are individuals, not machines or bonded laborers. They are also someone's father, son, husband, or brother,” he stated, emphasizing concerns over low and unpredictable earnings, extended working hours, lack of social security, and absence of respect in the workplace.

Moreover, he criticized the pressure created by ultra-fast delivery models, noting that the “10-minute delivery pressure” adversely affects workers’ mental and physical health.

“When delivery partners cannot meet such stringent deadlines, they have to contend with customer frustration and penalties,” he remarked.

Chadha called on the management of platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato to engage in constructive discussions with their workers and reach fair, humane agreements.

“India’s progression cannot thrive on insecurity and exploitation; it must be rooted in justice, dignity, and respect for labor,” he stated.

He also mentioned his recent interaction with Blinkit delivery partner Himanshu Thapliyal, who gained attention for discussing the minimal earnings of gig workers.

Chadha commented that spending time with the workers allowed him to better comprehend their struggles, which he later communicated to platform management.

Allegations surfaced that some delivery partners faced intimidation for participating in the strike, which Chadha deemed unacceptable in a democratic society.

“Everyone has the right to express their views and protest,” he affirmed.

Expressing optimism about a resolution, Chadha stated that gig workers are vital to the e-commerce sector and deserve immediate attention.

“With voices rising across the nation and the issue being addressed in Parliament, I am hopeful that a positive outcome will arise through collaborative dialogue,” he concluded.