Gig Delivery Workers Launch Nationwide Strike on New Year’s Eve

Food and shopping deliveries across India are set to face major disruptions on December 31 as gig workers from platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, and Flipkart have gone on strike. New Year’s Eve, one of the busiest days for online orders, is expected to see delays in food, grocery, and e‑commerce services. Trade unions warn that the protest could significantly impact retailers and online companies that depend on doorstep delivery to meet year‑end sales targets.

The strike follows a “flash protest” on Christmas Day, when nearly 40,000 workers stayed offline, causing delays in up to 60% of orders in cities like Hyderabad and Gurgaon. Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) President Shaikh Salauddin described that action as a “warning shot,” adding that the true scale of worker solidarity would be visible on December 31.

Workers Voice Concerns

Delivery partners say the strike is driven by frustration over low pay and lack of insurance. One worker told ANI, “We are on strike mainly because of the rate card. We don’t get paid enough, and there’s no insurance. Even if an order is cancelled, the rider has to bear the cost. We work 14 hours a day but aren’t compensated fairly.”

Another rider explained that changes to the rate card have worsened conditions. He recounted an accident in Barakhamba where the injured worker received no insurance claim. “We all pooled money to help him, but he’s still working late nights, taking orders at 1 or 2 AM,” he said.

Workers also complained about poor communication with team leaders. “After 20 or 25 calls, the TL finally picks up with an attitude. If you argue, they block your ID. After 14 hours of work, we earn only Rs 700–800. That’s why today there’s a strike across Delhi,” one delivery agent said.