For the second consecutive day, Urban Company, a service marketplace, has faced protests from partners whose IDs have been blocked. Primarily comprising workers in the beauty services segment, around 70 individuals participated in the demonstrations. The partners are demanding the reinstatement of their IDs and an opportunity to address their grievances. Although the company has requested a week’s time, the protesting partners remain skeptical about the restoration of their IDs.

According to the partners, Urban Company requires them to pay for training before onboarding onto the platform, with the cost varying based on the category in which they operate. For instance, under the Salon for Women category, there are three levels: Classic, Prime, and Luxe, each with increasing training expenses. Partners claim that training costs can reach up to INR 1 lakh, in addition to the money they spend on purchasing materials for their services. The indiscriminate blocking of IDs by the platform affects partners who have already invested significant amounts in training, often resulting in them taking loans to cover the expenses.

Partners argue that the platform blocks IDs without giving them a chance to appeal decisions that adversely impact their livelihoods. Maintaining the minimum rating requirements is a significant challenge, with partners in the Classic and Prime categories needing a rating of 4.7 and Luxe partners requiring a rating of 4.85 out of 5. Falling below these thresholds often leads to automatic blocking by the platform. Partners also face penalties for client cancellations and have their response rates monitored, which further affects their IDs.

The partners participating in the protests demand fair treatment, including the opportunity to rectify mistakes before being permanently blocked from the platform. They also highlight safety concerns and the lack of support from the company. The All India Gig Workers Union (AIGWU) has expressed solidarity with the protesting partners and submitted a memorandum to Urban Company outlining their demands. These include unblocking all IDs, eliminating permanent blocking practices, revising minimum rating requirements, and providing a transparent rating system.

Urban Company is yet to respond to inquiries regarding the ongoing protests. This is not the first time the company has faced criticism from workers on its platform. In 2021, a larger protest took place, leading to the company implementing a 12-step program to improve partner ratings and livelihoods. However, tensions have persisted, and legal actions were taken by both the company and the workers. The recent protests highlight the ongoing challenges and grievances faced by partners in the gig economy.

For the second consecutive day, Urban Company, a service marketplace, has faced protests from partners whose IDs have been blocked. Primarily comprising workers in the beauty services segment, around 70 individuals participated in the demonstrations. The partners are demanding the reinstatement of their IDs and an opportunity to address their grievances. Although the company has requested a week’s time, the protesting partners remain skeptical about the restoration of their IDs.

According to the partners, Urban Company requires them to pay for training before onboarding onto the platform, with the cost varying based on the category in which they operate. For instance, under the Salon for Women category, there are three levels: Classic, Prime, and Luxe, each with increasing training expenses. Partners claim that training costs can reach up to INR 1 lakh, in addition to the money they spend on purchasing materials for their services. The indiscriminate blocking of IDs by the platform affects partners who have already invested significant amounts in training, often resulting in them taking loans to cover the expenses.

Partners argue that the platform blocks IDs without giving them a chance to appeal decisions that adversely impact their livelihoods. Maintaining the minimum rating requirements is a significant challenge, with partners in the Classic and Prime categories needing a rating of 4.7 and Luxe partners requiring a rating of 4.85 out of 5. Falling below these thresholds often leads to automatic blocking by the platform. Partners also face penalties for client cancellations and have their response rates monitored, which further affects their IDs.

The partners participating in the protests demand fair treatment, including the opportunity to rectify mistakes before being permanently blocked from the platform. They also highlight safety concerns and the lack of support from the company. The All India Gig Workers Union (AIGWU) has expressed solidarity with the protesting partners and submitted a memorandum to Urban Company outlining their demands. These include unblocking all IDs, eliminating permanent blocking practices, revising minimum rating requirements, and providing a transparent rating system.

Urban Company is yet to respond to inquiries regarding the ongoing protests. This is not the first time the company has faced criticism from workers on its platform. In 2021, a larger protest took place, leading to the company implementing a 12-step program to improve partner ratings and livelihoods. However, tensions have persisted, and legal actions were taken by both the company and the workers. The recent protests highlight the ongoing challenges and grievances faced by partners in the gig economy.