As India prepares to welcome the New Year, a major disruption is unfolding across the country’s fast-growing gig economy. Delivery partners associated with Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Amazon have gone on a nationwide strike on December 31, raising serious questions about the sustainability of platform-based work models and the future of gig employment in India.
This coordinated protest, called just a day before New Year celebrations, is not accidental. It is a strategic move by gig and platform workers to draw attention to long-pending issues that, according to them, have been ignored for far too long.
Why Are Gig Workers Striking Nationwide?
The strike has been organised under the banner of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), following a call given by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU). The union’s founder and president, Shaik Salauddin, has stated that the protest is a direct response to what workers describe as 'unfair, opaque and exploitative policies' adopted by platform-based companies.
Despite repeated appeals, meetings and representations, workers claim that their core concerns have remained unaddressed. With no visible progress from companies, unions say a nationwide protest became inevitable.
Delivery Services Likely to Be Affected
With thousands of delivery partners participating, food delivery, grocery delivery and e-commerce logistics may face disruptions in several cities. Customers using Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, or Amazon could experience delays, limited availability of delivery slots, or higher waiting times, especially during peak New Year hours.
However, union leaders have stressed that the protest is intended to be peaceful, aimed at raising awareness rather than creating chaos.
The Five Key Demands of Gig Workers
At the heart of this nationwide strike are five major demands, which gig workers believe are essential for fair and dignified working conditions.
1. Restoration of the Earlier Payout System
One of the most prominent demands is the return of the old payout structure. Workers say that earlier payment models offered more stability, transparency and predictability in earnings.
According to union leaders, during festive periods like Dussehra, Diwali and Eid al-Fitr, delivery partners received fair and consistent payouts. Over time, frequent changes in incentive structures and pay calculations have made incomes uncertain, even during high-demand seasons.
Workers are demanding that the earlier system be restored and implemented regularly, not just during festivals.
2. Withdrawal of the 10-Minute Delivery Model
The much-promoted ultra-fast delivery model has come under sharp criticism from workers. Delivery partners argue that 10-minute delivery promises force them to rush, increasing mental pressure and putting their physical safety at serious risk.
According to unions, this model encourages unsafe driving, traffic violations and accidents, especially in congested urban areas. Workers insist that speed should not come at the cost of human lives and road safety.
3. Arbitrary Blocking and Deactivation of Accounts
Another major concern is the sudden suspension or deactivation of worker IDs. Gig workers allege that accounts are often blocked without prior notice, clear explanations or any effective grievance redressal mechanism.
For delivery partners who depend entirely on these platforms for income, a blocked account means instant unemployment. Workers say they are left helpless, with no transparency and no fair opportunity to challenge such decisions.
4. Algorithm-Based Pay and Incentives
Gig workers have also raised serious concerns about the role of algorithms in determining payouts, incentives and work allocation.
According to the union, algorithm-driven systems have made earnings unpredictable and financially unstable. Changes in algorithms often reduce incentives without explanation, leaving workers confused about how their income is calculated.
Workers are demanding greater transparency and human oversight in how algorithms impact their livelihoods.
5. Social Security and Welfare Benefits
Perhaps the most crucial demand is the introduction of social security benefits. Despite forming the backbone of India’s platform economy, gig workers remain largely outside basic social protection systems.
Unions are demanding insurance coverage, health benefits and welfare measures, pointing out that gig workers face daily risks on the road without any safety net. With the gig workforce expanding rapidly, workers say it is time for policy and corporate responsibility to catch up.
Why December 31 Was Chosen?
Shaik Salauddin has clarified that the decision to hold a flash strike on December 31 was taken after months of inaction. According to him, repeated representations to platform companies failed to bring meaningful change.
By choosing one of the busiest days of the year for delivery services, the union hopes to send a strong message to companies and policymakers about the urgency of these issues.
This nationwide strike highlights a deeper debate around the gig economy in India. While platform-based companies have created millions of flexible work opportunities, critics argue that the lack of regulation has left workers vulnerable.
As more Indians rely on gig work as their primary source of income, questions around fair pay, safety, transparency and social security are becoming impossible to ignore.
What Happens Next?
Union leaders have appealed to gig and platform workers across India to participate peacefully and in large numbers. The strike aims to force meaningful dialogue between workers, companies and policymakers.
Whether this protest leads to policy changes or corporate reforms remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the voices of gig workers are growing louder, and the conversation around ethical platform work is no longer avoidable.
The nationwide strike by Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon and Zepto delivery partners is not just about a single day of disruption. It reflects a larger struggle for dignity, fairness and security in India’s rapidly expanding gig economy.
As customers, companies and governments watch closely, the outcome of this protest could shape the future of platform-based work in the country, not just for this New Year, but for years to come.
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
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