‘They pushed us, touched us inappropriately’: Urban Company gig workers allege abuse during protest

"If we take 15-minute sessions, the company provides an extra Rs 2,000 for travel. Most of us depend on autos and cabs, and booking an auto sometimes takes 15 minutes. It puts a lot of pressure on us," said a gig worker.

Bengaluru: Gig workers at Urban Company were allegedly physically and verbally abused for protesting against the company's new instant services on Wednesday.

About 100 workers gathered at the company's HSR office to discuss new rules requiring gig workers in the 'Salon' category to deliver services in 15-minute time slots.

"When we told them how the instant services would put workers' lives in danger and raised our voice against their behaviour on social media, they blocked our ID. They use this ID-blocking to threaten employees," said Selvi, a 38-year-old beautician who joined the protest.

"When we arrived at the office to discuss the matter, we saw that they had called bouncers and would not let us in. They pushed us, touched us inappropriately, and verbally abused us. That is when I called the police," she added.

The company is soft launching instant beauty services in select neighbourhoods, gig workers told DH.

Salon and Hair Studio services are available in Bellandur and nearby areas in 15 minutes.

"Until recently, we had a 90-minute slot to prepare and reach the customer's house. Since this year, they have pushed us to accept 15-minute bookings. It is impossible to reach anywhere in Bengaluru within that time," said Pinki Thakur, who has worked with the company for six years.

On average, beauticians on the app make Rs 3,000 to 4,000 per day by serving about four customers.

"If we take 15-minute sessions, the company provides an extra Rs 2,000 for travel. Most of us depend on autos and cabs, and booking an auto sometimes takes 15 minutes. It puts a lot of pressure on us," said Pinki.

Some employees, along with the Karnataka App-Based Workers Union, plan to file a police complaint against the company for the misbehaviour.

A senior Urban Company official said the claims of physical assault were false and refused to comment further.