CITU backs Swiggy, Zomato rider’s strike in Visakhapatnam

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has called for a strike on September 20 to highlight the grievances of Swiggy and Zomato delivery workers. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, CITU Visakhapatnam district secretary B. Jagan said the strike would continue until the riders’ demands are addressed.

Jagan noted that around 40,000 delivery workers in Visakhapatnam have been serving society for the past seven years, yet continue to struggle with lack of job security, irregular income, and absence of social protection. Many of them, despite having educational qualifications, were forced into gig work due to limited employment opportunities. “When riders face problems, there is no one to resolve them,” he said.

Key Demands CITU leaders said workers are under severe financial stress due to rising fuel costs, inflation, and uncertain earnings. Their main demands include:

• Restoration of IDs of illegally terminated riders.

• Implementation of minimum wages and guaranteed income.

• Increase in base fare to at least ₹30 per order.

• Payment of ₹10 per km during normal hours and ₹12 per km during peak hours.

• Payment of cancellation fees to riders.

• Reduction in the compulsory peak-time policy and introduction of a single, transparent incentive system.

The leaders pointed out that while petrol cost only ₹76 per litre seven years ago, riders’ earnings were relatively better. Today, with prices at ₹108 per litre, incomes have stagnated even as login hours and delivery targets have increased. CITU also demanded that companies appoint genuine representatives to address workers’ concerns, as the current team leaders and managers allegedly fail to respond or resolve issues.