What in the World Why are gig workers in India protesting?
Feb 24, 2026
Nathalia Jimenez, a BBC business reporter in New York covering global labour and markets, and Meghna Kanwar, a Delhi-based labour reporter, discuss huge gig-worker protests. They talk about strikes over pay and penalties, the backlash against 10-minute deliveries, unpaid travel time and road dangers. The conversation spans legal fights, company concessions and how quick-commerce is reshaping work in India and beyond.
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US Driver Balances Flexibility With No Safety Net
- Atlanta delivery driver Mu'nisah Ujima values flexibility but faces high costs and no benefits.
- She alternates 10-hour shifts and short blocks, citing car maintenance, no insurance, and no sick days as major downsides.
Rapid Growth Makes Gig Work A National Issue
- India's gig economy has about 12 million workers and could double by 2030, creating major social and regulatory implications.
- Meghna Kanwar followed a 24-year-old delivery rider who started at 19 and often skips meals while working long hours for tiny per-ride pay.
Day In The Life Of A Delhi Delivery Rider
- Meghna Kanwar shadowed a food delivery partner to show the daily strain of app-based work.
- The rider, 24, started at 19, spent whole days online riding and often had no time to eat on the job.