Gig Workers to Hold Nationwide Physical Protests on February 3 After Online Strike

Gig and platform workers across India are set to take their protest offline, with nationwide physical demonstrations planned for February 3, 2026. The move follows a large-scale online strike on Republic Day, during which thousands of workers switched off apps to highlight concerns over working conditions and job security.

Nationwide Protests Planned Across India

After the Republic Day “online strike,” the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union has announced a second phase of agitation involving on-ground protests in multiple cities. The demonstrations are expected to take place simultaneously across major urban centres, bringing together workers from food delivery, ride-hailing, grocery delivery, logistics, domestic services, and other app-based sectors.

Union leaders say the February 3 protests aim to increase public visibility and push policymakers to address long-standing issues faced by gig workers.

Why Gig Workers Are Protesting

Gig workers argue that while digital platforms have expanded rapidly, worker protections have not kept pace. According to the union, key problems include:

Lack of Legal Recognition

Most gig workers are classified as “partners” or “independent contractors,” leaving them outside the scope of traditional labour laws.

Arbitrary Account Deactivations

Workers allege that IDs are blocked without clear explanations, cutting off their primary source of income overnight.

Algorithm-Driven Pay and Ratings

Opaque rating systems and automated task allocation are said to directly impact earnings, often without transparency or appeal mechanisms.

Income Insecurity and Penalties

Frequent changes in incentive structures, penalties for cancellations, and unpredictable demand contribute to unstable monthly incomes.

Key Demands Raised During the Protests

During both the online strike and upcoming physical protests, the union has outlined several demands:

• A separate central law for gig and platform workers

• Protection against arbitrary ID blocking and unfair penalties

• Transparent grievance redressal systems

• Fair and predictable pay structures

• Improved safety measures, especially for women workers

The union has also called for mandatory consultation with worker representatives before platforms introduce policy or algorithm changes.

Women Workers at the Forefront

A notable aspect of the movement is the strong participation of women gig workers, particularly from home services, beauty and wellness, and delivery segments. Organisers say issues of safety, dignity, and job security have pushed many women workers to take leadership roles in the protests.

What Happens Next?

The February 3 protests are expected to be a critical test for India’s gig economy. If the demonstrations gain significant traction, experts believe they could accelerate discussions around national-level regulation for platform work. The union has hinted that further action may follow if their demands are not addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are gig workers holding nationwide protests on February 3?

Gig workers are protesting to demand legal recognition, fair pay, transparent app policies, and protection from arbitrary account deactivations.

2. Which sectors are participating in the protests?

Workers from food delivery, ride-hailing, grocery delivery, logistics, domestic services, and other app-based jobs are expected to participate.

3. What was the Republic Day online strike?

On January 26, gig workers across India switched off their apps for a day to protest working conditions and highlight their demands digitally.

4. Who is organising the February 3 protests?

The protests are being organised by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union, which represents workers across multiple digital platforms.

5. Could these protests impact consumers?

Short-term service disruptions are possible in some cities, especially in food delivery and ride-hailing, depending on participation levels.