Urban Company, the consumer services startup, is facing fresh protests from its women gig workers in Bengaluru, who have gone on strike against the company’s new terms of reference.
The strike, which took place at Urban Company’s Bengaluru office, saw the participation of “hundreds” of workers affiliated with the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), a part of the Indian Federation Of App Based Transport Workers (IFAT).
In a statement released by GIPSWU, the workers decried the new work conditions as “horrific,” claiming they forced “thousands of partners to work under slavery-like situations.”
The central issue appears to be the startup’s ‘Mission Shakti,’ launched last year to enhance service quality.
Protesters argue that Mission Shakti’s requirements, including a minimum rating of 4.8 and automated task assignments, are unreasonable.
They also criticized the policy allowing only two cancellations per worker per month, which puts their employment at risk for any additional cancellations.
Despite discussions with the company, the workers claimed no action was taken to address their concerns.
The union has also reached out to Urban Company cofounder and CEO Abhiraj Singh Bhal, asserting that the new terms conflict with various legislations that guarantee workers’ rights.
While Urban Company has not yet commented on the protest, the union has indicated plans for a nationwide strike if their demands are not met.
This protest follows a series of similar demonstrations at Urban Company’s Gurugram office in July 2023 and another in June 2023, organized by other gig worker unions such as the Centre Of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and All Indian Gig Workers Union (AIGWU).
Urban Company, founded in 2014 by Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Raghav Chandra, and Varun Khaitan, offers a wide range of services, including salon and massage, home cleaning, appliance repair, and painting.
The startup claimed to have turned profitable before tax in April 2024, with a focus on growing sustainably while balancing the interests of customers, service partners, employees, and shareholders.
In response to previous protests, Urban Company emphasized its commitment to both customers and partners, asserting that it strives for continuous improvement in quality, convenience, value, selection, and trust.
