'₹50 for an Overnight Shift': Flipkart Workers Protest Over Alleged Wage Cuts, Poor Conditions

New Delhi, June 16: A large number of workers employed at e-commerce giant Flipkart reportedly staged a protest on Sunday, alleging poor working conditions and inadequate wages at one of the company's warehouses in Haryana.

The workers gathered at the facility's main gate to voice their grievances, claiming they were being denied basic amenities such as adequate drinking water, rest areas, cooling facilities, and other essential provisions despite working in extreme heat conditions.

Shaik Salauddin, Founder-President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, highlighted the workers' concerns in a LinkedIn post. He alleged that some workers at the warehouse were paid as little as ₹50 for an overnight shift.

"According to protesting workers, their monthly earnings have reportedly been reduced from approximately ₹18,000 to between ₹12,000 and ₹14,000. Workers have also alleged that they are being paid as little as ₹50 for an entire night shift in certain categories of work, a claim that raises serious questions about labour rights and wage compliance," Salauddin said.

The protesting workers have put forward several demands, including:

• Payment of wages in accordance with statutory minimum wage norms.

• Immediate restoration of wage cuts and fair remuneration.

• Provision of adequate drinking water, rest areas, cooling facilities, and other basic amenities during extreme heat conditions.

• Respect for workers' rights and dignity in the workplace.

Salauddin warned that if the company's management fails to address the workers' concerns, labour organisations could escalate the matter.

"If Flipkart management fails to address the workers' legitimate demands immediately, IFAT will consult worker organisations and unions across the country and consider launching a nationwide solidarity campaign and protest actions. The company must engage with workers and resolve the issue without delay," he said.

Flipkart has not publicly responded to the allegations so far. Attempts to contact the company through publicly available phone numbers for comment were unsuccessful.