Indian female gig workers threaten more strikes over exploitation

Union wants government to make laws against sexual harassment, low pay, long hours

Gig workers staged a "Black Diwali" strike last week to protest against unsafe working conditions for women. (Courtesy of GIPSWU)

GREESHMA KUTHAR, Contributing writer

November 6, 2024 16:38 JST

CHENNAI -- For more than 3,400 female gig workers, last week's Hindu festival of lights was "Black Diwali."

To protest against unsafe work environments, grueling hours and low pay, the women, led by the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU), held a "digital strike" by switching off their phones and refusing to work over Diwali. That was the first of more industrial action they said they intend to take.