Nationwide Strike by Delivery Workers: Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and Blinkit Partners Plan Action on New Year’s Eve
Nationwide Strike by Delivery Workers: Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and Blinkit Partners Plan Action on New Year’s Eve
Gig Workers Demand Fair Wages, Safety, and End to Risky 10-Minute Delivery Models Amid Peak Festive Season
As India prepares for New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, 2025, a nationwide strike by delivery partners from major platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon, and Flipkart threatens to disrupt food deliveries, quick commerce orders, and e-commerce packages across the country. This follows a similar action on Christmas Day (December 25), where disruptions were reported in several cities, highlighting growing unrest in India’s booming gig economy.
Organised by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), the strike targets one of the busiest days for these platforms, when orders surge for party food, groceries, and last-minute shopping.
Background: A Flash Strike During Peak Demand
The protests began with a coordinated “flash strike” on December 25, 2025, where delivery partners logged off for a few hours, causing delays in cities like Gurugram, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. Quick commerce services from Blinkit and Zepto were particularly affected, with some areas seeing temporary suspensions.
Unions described the Christmas action as a “trailer,” warning that the New Year’s Eve strike on December 31 could be more impactful if demands are not met. Participation is expected from workers in metros and tier-2 cities, potentially leading to longer wait times, cancelled orders, and reliance on third-party logistics.
Platforms like Swiggy and Zomato have reportedly assured minimal impact, but unions claim companies attempted to bypass the Christmas strike by offering extra incentives or using alternative fleets.
Key Demands of the Delivery Workers
Gig workers, often called “delivery partners,” form the backbone of India’s quick commerce and food delivery ecosystem. However, they argue that rapid growth has come at their expense. The main demands include:
- Fair and Transparent Wages: Workers report declining earnings due to changing payout structures, with net income dropping despite longer hours.
- Withdrawal of 10-Minute Delivery Models: Ultra-fast services from Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart are criticised for encouraging reckless riding, endangering lives. Surveys show over 86% of workers oppose these targets.
- Social Security and Welfare Benefits: Full implementation of the Code on Social Security (effective November 2025), including health insurance, accident coverage, pensions, and contributions to a welfare fund (1-2% of platform turnover).
- End to Arbitrary ID Blocking: Prevention of sudden account deactivations without fair grievance redressal.
- Job Security and Dignity: Limits on late-night deliveries (especially in winter fog), regulated working hours, and recognition as workers rather than independent contractors.
- Safety Measures: Better protection against risks, including road accidents and customer disputes.
Union leaders, including Shaik Salauddin (TGPWU) and Mohammad Inayat Ali (IFAT), have stated: “Delivery workers are pushed to the breaking point by unsafe models, falling incomes, and no social protection. This is a call for justice and accountability.”
Impact on Consumers and Platforms
December 31 is among the highest-revenue days for food delivery and quick commerce, with spikes in party orders. Disruptions could:
- Delay food and grocery deliveries during celebrations.
- Affect e-commerce last-mile services from Amazon and Flipkart.
- Push customers towards offline options or restaurants’ in-house delivery.
In Pune, restaurant associations have expressed concerns, noting reliance on third-party services during the Christmas strike. Similar issues may arise on New Year’s Eve.
Platforms have remained largely silent, with some denying major impacts. However, the strike underscores vulnerabilities in the gig model, where workers bear most risks.
The Broader Gig Economy Context
India’s gig workforce is estimated at over 7-8 million, powering a sector valued at billions. Recent reforms like the Code on Social Security and state laws (e.g., Karnataka’s 2025 Act) aim to provide protections, but unions say implementation is weak.
Previous protests in 2025, including in Maharashtra and Hyderabad, highlight ongoing issues. Globally, similar actions have occurred, but India’s coordinated national strikes signal escalating organisation.
Experts note that while platforms offer flexibility, the lack of employee status leaves workers without traditional protections. The strikes could pressure policymakers and companies towards better regulations.
What Lies Ahead?
As of December 28, 2025, unions are firm on the December 31 action, urging wider participation. Negotiations with platforms have not yielded results, and workers vow stronger resistance if demands are ignored.
For millions relying on these services for New Year’s plans, alternatives like cooking at home or early orders may be wise.
This movement reflects a pivotal moment for India’s gig economy—balancing innovation with worker rights.
Stay updated on labour issues, business developments, and national news at www.bharattone.com. As gig workers fight for dignity, the nation watches a key battle for fair work in the digital age.
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