"Urban Company Faces Backlash From Gig Workers Over New Unfair Labor Policy", 11 June 2024

The union, which is part of the Indian Federation of Based Transport Workers (IFAT), is condemning the company’s new work policies, which they claim are “horrific” and tantamount to “slavery-like situations” for thousands of workers...

The GIPSWU’s statement outlines several grievances with Urban Company’s new terms of reference. A key point of contention is the company’s alleged implementation of a minimum rating requirement of 4.8 stars. The union argues that this sets an unrealistic standard and puts undue pressure on workers, especially considering factors outside their control that could negatively impact ratings, such as customer behavior or unreasonable expectations...

The GIPSWU alleges that they attempted to settle these issues directly with Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Urban Company’s co-founder and CEO, but were unsuccessful. The union sent Bhal an official letter expressing its concerns and urging the firm to reconsider the new regulations. The source of the unhappiness appears to be Urban Company’s newly launched “Mission Shakti” campaign. While facts of the program are undisclosed, speculations suggest that it aims to improve service quality through stricter performance standards. However, the GIPSWU believes that Mission Shakti prioritizes client happiness over worker well-being, creating an unequal dynamic...