Thousands of food delivery and gig platform workers in Delhi and across India have launched a strike today on New Year’s Eve, calling for major changes in how app-based delivery services operate. The industrial action is expected to disrupt food and quick-commerce deliveries at one of the busiest times of the year, according to media reports.
The delivery partners — many associated with Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart are protesting against several longstanding issues in the gig economy.
Workers say current payment systems are opaque and unpredictable, leaving them unsure of earnings before logging in, so there must be transparency in pay structures. The demand to scrap ultra-fast delivery targets stems from safety concerns, as workers claim these timelines pressure them into unsafe driving. time-bound (10-minute) deliveries should be banned.
Workers want guaranteed minimum pay, with calls for at least Rs. 20 per kilometre and assurances that daily earnings meet minimum wage standards. Fair wages and minimum earnings should be guaranteed. Alongside pay transparency, the strike calls for social security benefits, accident insurance, regulated work hours and suspension of late-night deliveries for safety.
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Union leaders have projected large participation in the strike, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands could join across major cities including Delhi.
The strike comes after similar protests on December 25, which already caused noticeable disruptions in deliveries around Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad, and raised concerns about conditions for delivery workers.
With today’s action coinciding with heavy demand for orders ahead of New Year’s festivities, restaurants and customers alike face the possibility of delayed or cancelled deliveries. Some restaurants are advising customers to place bulk orders early or arrange alternate delivery plans.
Local businesses have expressed concern that delivery interruptions on December 31 could affect their festival-season revenues, especially since online orders often account for a significant share of their sales during peak times.
Major platform companies have not issued detailed public responses to the strike demands, though there are reports of internal communications with delivery partners and preparations to mitigate service gaps.
Gig and platform workers’ unions urge both corporate employers and government authorities to engage in dialogue and address structural issues in the gig economy. They argue that without reforms, the workforce that underpins the rapid growth of delivery services will continue to face exploitation and unsafe work conditions.
(Source Media Reports)
