Hyderabad: Gig workers launched a nationwide strike on December 31, demanding a fixed monthly salary between ₹24,000 and ₹40,000 in place of the current commission-based payment system, along with leave and basic workplace facilities.
The strike by gig workers is expected to disrupt food and e-commerce deliveries, raising concerns over New Year celebrations and year-end business activity across India. Workers associated with Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart are taking part, unions said.
Major cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune are likely to see delivery delays or cancellations during peak hours. Retailers depending on December 31 orders to meet annual revenue targets may face operational pressure due to reduced rider availability.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), and the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) jointly called the strike.
Gig workers raise pay, safety and social security demands
Demand for food and grocery deliveries usually peaks on New Year’s Eve. However, the strike by gig workers may inconvenience millions of customers, especially during late-night celebrations. Union leaders said participation could run into several lakh workers across cities.
Workers demanded the withdrawal of the 10-minute delivery model, citing accident risks. They also sought transparent wages, including ₹35 for four kilometres and a guaranteed monthly income ranging from ₹24,000 to ₹40,000.
Other demands include an end to arbitrary ID blocking and stronger grievance redressal systems. Workers also want safety gear, accident insurance, health insurance and pension benefits. In addition, they called for limits on late-night deliveries, mandatory rest breaks and an end to algorithm-based discrimination.
Unions further demanded that gig workers be formally recognised as “workers” instead of “partners,” along with full trade union rights.
The Centre implemented the Code on Social Security from November 21, 2025. The law requires platform companies to contribute 1–2 percent of their turnover to a social security fund. Unions said the contribution remains inadequate and enforcement weak. They submitted a memorandum to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya but said they have not received a direct response.
Union leaders said the strike highlighted the need for tripartite talks among governments, companies and unions. They demanded a separate labour law for gig workers, fixed minimum wages and tighter regulation of ultra-fast delivery models. They warned that ignoring these concerns could affect India’s digital economy.