Blinkit Workers in Uttar Pradesh Protest Against Unfair Shifts and Poor Working Conditions

Blinkit delivery workers in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, have gone on strike, voicing strong opposition to poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and lack of proper summer uniforms. Around 150 workers participated in the protest over the weekend, demanding improved treatment from the Zomato-owned delivery platform. Their key demands included a mandatory break from 12 PM to 4 PM to cope with extreme heat, an increase in minimum delivery wages, and access to basic facilities such as shaded rest areas, drinking water, and seating arrangements.

The striking workers claimed that rather than addressing their grievances, the company retaliated by blocking their accounts and allegedly forcing them to sign agreements restricting future protests. These agreements were reportedly made under pressure and lacked official company letterheads or clear contractual terms. Workers were even asked to record videos while holding the documents and declaring their compliance with company rules—raising concerns about coercion and a lack of transparency.

Many workers joined Blinkit lured by the promise of lucrative incentives, but they now report falling earnings. The per-delivery payout for a 2.5 km order has reportedly been reduced from ₹35 to ₹26. The workers are demanding an increase in the rate to ₹40. Santosh Jaiswal, a delivery worker, explained that when operations began, riders were earning ₹130 for completing 15 orders, ₹155 for 18 orders, and so on. However, as the number of delivery personnel increased to 150, the incentive structure was altered. Now, they earn ₹205 for completing 30 orders and ₹245 for 35, significantly reducing their per-order compensation and overall income.

The strike also brings into focus the broader issue of the legal status of gig workers in India. According to Adil Ladha, a partner at Saraf and Partners, gig workers are not officially classified as “workmen” under Indian labour laws. This distinction means they do not enjoy the legal right to strike or protections typically available to traditional employees. While contracts that attempt to strip legal rights from employees can be void, Ladha noted that in the absence of such rights to begin with, gig workers may be contractually bound in ways that would not be permissible for regular workers. However, if the nature of the worker-platform relationship is contested, these agreements could be scrutinized for legality and fairness.

The ethical implications of these alleged forced agreements have drawn criticism, especially given the lack of legal recourse for gig workers. Many argue that the lack of regulatory protections leaves these workers vulnerable to exploitation. The company, Blinkit, has so far not issued any official statement addressing the claims made by the workers or providing its version of the events.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between gig economy platforms and their workforce, particularly in India, where regulatory frameworks have yet to fully catch up with the realities of platform-based labor. It also raises questions about workers’ rights, corporate accountability, and the urgent need for legislative reform to address the vulnerabilities of gig workers.