Delivery Workers Strike on New Year’s Eve
On December 31, 2025, delivery workers from various platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto initiated a strike demanding a ban on 10-minute deliveries. This marked the second wave of protests following a preemptive action taken on Christmas Day, significantly affecting operations across major Indian cities.
The Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT), which is leading the strike, has formally requested the government to impose regulations on fast delivery models they consider unsafe. In a letter to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, they outlined their demands, including fair wages, better working conditions, and the right to unionize.
The Background of Gig Worker Discontent
This unrest highlights the increasing strain between gig workers and delivery platform companies. Over the years, gig workers have faced numerous challenges, including fluctuating incomes, inadequate base pay, and the pressures of algorithms that compel them to travel extensive distances for minimal rewards. Rising fuel costs and a lack of social security benefits exacerbate their adversities, leading to calls for urgent reforms.
Reasons Behind the Strikes
Impact of the Delivery Model
The emergence of the 10-minute delivery model has significantly impacted workers’ workloads. Workers contend it prioritizes speed over safety, forcing them to rush through deliveries to meet tight deadlines. This has led to increased stress levels and burnout, in a field already fraught with instability.
According to IFAT’s co-founder and national general secretary Shaik Salauddin, the gig economy should not thrive at the expense of workers’ health and dignity. He stated, “The government must intervene immediately. Regulate platform companies, stop worker victimization, and ensure fair wages, safety, and social protection.”
Details of Recent Protests
On Christmas Day, approximately 40,000 delivery workers participated in a similar strike, which led to a noticeable reduction in service availability. Reports indicated that between 50% and 60% of orders were delayed during the protest, especially in metropolitan areas like Delhi, Karnataka, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
During these strikes, worker representatives faced harassment from the companies, including the blocking of accounts and intimidation attempts. Companies responded to the disruption by employing third-party couriers and reactivating previously inactive accounts, aiming to mitigate the impact on their services.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Earlier this year, the Indian government implemented the Code on Social Security, offering a formal welfare framework for gig workers for the first time. This code defines gig and platform workers, allowing them to access crucial benefits like health and accident insurance.
According to experts, this move should provide basic protections for millions of gig workers despite their non-traditional employment structures. The social security scheme requires platform companies to contribute a small percentage of their annual turnover to a dedicated fund for these workers.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Reactions to these protests have been mixed. Industry representatives argue that fast delivery services cater to growing consumer demands for convenience and efficiency. However, advocates for workers’ rights stress that the sustainability of this model cannot be achieved without ensuring fair treatment of the workers who make it possible.
A policy analysis expert remarked, “Without proper regulations, we risk losing sight of the human element involved in these services. A balance needs to be struck between consumer convenience and the welfare of delivery workers.” Such sentiments echo the ongoing discourse about the changing nature of work in the gig economy.
What’s Next for Gig Workers?
The unions have made it clear that they will continue to advocate for their rights until their demands are met. Salauddin emphasized that the strikes serve as a wake-up call for platform companies and the government to recognize the plight of gig workers.
The workers are also pushing for a more transparent relationship with their employers and have called for the government to enforce existing labor laws more rigorously. “It’s time for the companies to recognize that we also deserve respect and dignity. Our work is not just about delivery; it’s about lives and livelihoods,” Salauddin stated.
End of Protests and Future Developments
The current wave of protests coincides with some of the busiest times for delivery services. As the strikes continue, customers may experience longer wait times and delays in receiving services. Moving forward, both lawmakers and platform representatives will have to address the issues raised by workers or face ongoing unrest in this vital sector.
As the situation evolves, it becomes crucial for all stakeholders involved to engage with one another for effective dialogue. With the new labor codes in place, the hope is that a supportive regulatory framework will develop that prioritizes not only profits but also the people driving these service industries.