In Shorts
- Gig workers across India plan to strike on December 31, potentially disrupting New Year’s Eve delivery services.
- Key demands include ending ultra-fast delivery expectations and securing better wages and social security.
- Impact likely in major metros and several tier-2 cities as delivery partners log off platforms.
Delivery services from popular platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart are facing uncertainty on one of the year’s busiest nights. Gig and delivery workers have initiated a nationwide strike on December 31, warning that food deliveries, grocery orders and quick commerce services could be delayed or cancelled as workers log off their apps or reduce activity.
Union leaders and worker associations have mobilised thousands of delivery partners in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata, as well as a number of tier-2 centres. Estimates suggest that well over one lakh workers may participate, significantly reducing the availability of delivery riders and threatening to disrupt celebrations and last-minute holiday plans.
The strike builds on earlier protests, including a flash walkout on December 25 that caused sizeable disruptions in multiple regions. Organisers say the repeated actions are meant to highlight long-standing concerns about declining earnings, unrealistic delivery targets, opaque pay systems and the absence of basic labour protections.
Central to the workers’ demands is the elimination of demanding ultra-fast delivery models, particularly 10-minute and 20-minute delivery targets, which workers argue create unsafe conditions and add undue pressure. They are also calling for fairer compensation structures, including a minimum per-kilometre rate and guaranteed minimum earnings, along with protections like emergency leave, maternity benefits and relief from arbitrary account blocks or penalties.
In addition to wage-related calls, the unions want stronger social security coverage for gig workers, including health and accident insurance and formal legal recognition as workers rather than independent contractors. Improved grievance mechanisms, reduced reliance on algorithm-driven performance metrics and safer work conditions are among other key points.
Major delivery platforms have responded in varying ways ahead of the strike. Some companies, including Zomato and Swiggy, have announced temporary increases in payout incentives to encourage more riders to stay logged in during peak hours, though unions argue these measures do not address the core issues driving the unrest.
Customers planning New Year’s Eve celebrations are being advised to adjust their expectations as deliveries may be unreliable or slower than usual. With orders peaking and supply constrained, many may opt for in-store purchases or earlier planning to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
The protest marks another flashpoint in ongoing tensions between gig workers and platform companies, bringing into focus the broader debate over labour rights, fair pay and protections in India’s rapidly expanding app-based economy.
Leave a Reply