The impact of shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in the country is now clearly visible on gig workers and food delivery employees. Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has written a letter to Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya regarding this matter, demanding immediate intervention. The union says that due to shortage of gas, the livelihood of thousands of delivery workers and platform employees is at risk.
People in India are facing problems due to tension in the Middle East
According to the union, the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in India has been affected due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. This has had a direct impact on restaurants, dhabas, cloud kitchens, catering services and street food vendors, who depend on these cylinders for cooking. Due to shortage of gas, cooking has become difficult in many places, due to which online food orders have also reduced significantly.
50-60 percent decline in food delivery orders
The union claims that in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and Jaipur, there has been a decline of about 50 to 60 percent in food delivery orders. This has had a direct impact on those delivery workers whose earnings depend entirely on orders. Many workers say that due to less orders, their daily income has suddenly reduced and many people are facing financial crisis.
Gig workers face unemployment threat
The union has also said that many platform companies are warning of shutting down the IDs of workers on the basis of low activity. If this happens, thousands of gig workers may face the threat of unemployment. According to the union, it is not just a matter of gas shortage, but the livelihood of thousands of families associated with it is also being affected.
The union placed these demands before the government
In view of this situation, the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union has demanded the government to take some necessary steps. The union has demanded that the Oil Ministry ensure 24-hour supply of commercial LPG to restaurants and food businesses. Apart from this, a demand has also been made to provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to the workers affected by food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy.
The union gave these suggestions to the government
The union has also suggested that ID deactivation of workers be banned for at least three months and minimum daily incentive be guaranteed during this period. Besides, under the Code on Social Security, 2020, social security, accident insurance and income assistance should also be provided to the gig workers.
The union has appealed to the Central Government to find a solution to this problem by holding a meeting with platform companies and oil companies within the next 48 hours, so that the livelihood of gig workers can be protected and the impact on food delivery services can be reduced.
