Condemning the recent events involving the unjust reduction of wages for gig workers associated with Blinkit, a Zomato-affiliated enterprise, the App Karmachari Ekta Union (AKEU) affiliated to AICCTU in a statement issued on January 9th, 2024 have expressed their solidarity with gig workers’ struggle for rights and their lawful pursuit of fair compensation. Under the constitutional purview of Article 14, Article 19, and Article 21, the right to fair wages is guaranteed, and any unjust curtailment of these rights deserves swift redressal rather than repression.
The statement further noted that since April 2023, Blinkit delivery workers have been experiencing a significant reduction in their wages without due consideration or avenues for recourse. Amidst discontentment over this unilateral wage cut, instances of unwarranted police involvement have emerged. Recently, a series of strategic wage cuts were made across stores to pre-empt potential worker protests.
A pivotal incident occurred on January 8th at Blinkit's Panchsheel Vihar, where workers were notified of wage cuts, prompting a meeting of the app workers' union. During this gathering, a store manager filed a baseless complaint against a rider, leading to the unjust harassment and threats against the worker by the police. Subsequent incidents further exacerbated the situation, with another worker, Muneer, physically assaulted by bouncers after appealing against wage reductions. Muneer was later detained in a bruised state by the Malviya Nagar Police Station.
The appalling incidents involving workers and unwarranted police actions are a direct infringement upon their fundamental rights. The arbitrary detention of Muneer, now charged under Section 151 of IPC, stands as a violation of constitutional provisions, including Article 14's equal protection, Article 19(1)(a) guaranteeing freedom of expression, and Article 19(1)(c) ensuring the right to form associations or unions.
The AKEU firmly asserts its commitment to continue advocating for the legitimate rights of workers against wage reduction. Simultaneously, the AKEU stands against any form of state impunity and unjust suppression of the workers' voices.
AKEU reaffirms its stand against any attempts to silence workers lawfully asserting their constitutional rights and pledges relentless efforts to seek justice and fair treatment for all workers.
