Gig economy workers across India, including delivery partners associated with major platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Blinkit, Zepto and Flipkart, have announced a nationwide strike on December 31. The protest is aimed at highlighting worsening working conditions, falling earnings, and the absence of basic labour protections in India’s rapidly expanding platform economy. The strike has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union along with the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, with support from multiple regional worker collectives.
The December 31 action follows an earlier strike on December 25, during which delivery services were disrupted in several cities. Workers say repeated appeals to platform companies have failed to bring meaningful change, forcing them to take collective action during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Growth of the Gig Economy and Rising Worker Discontent
India’s gig economy has grown dramatically over the past decade, driven by the surge in food delivery, quick commerce, and e-commerce services. Millions of workers now depend on app-based platforms for their livelihood. While companies promote flexibility and independence as key advantages, workers argue that this model has created instability, income insecurity, and excessive dependence on opaque digital systems.
Despite strong revenue growth for platform companies, workers say their earnings have declined over time. Rising fuel costs, inflation, and vehicle maintenance expenses have further reduced take-home income, making it increasingly difficult for gig workers to sustain themselves.
Major Issues Behind the December 31 Strike
The strike has been called to draw attention to several long-standing grievances shared by gig and delivery workers across platforms.
Declining and Unpredictable Pay
One of the main concerns is falling earnings caused by frequent changes in incentive structures. Workers claim that bonuses and incentives are revised without consultation, making income unpredictable even during peak demand periods. Many say they now have to work longer hours to earn what they did previously.
Pressure from Ultra-Fast Delivery Targets
Workers have strongly opposed ultra-fast delivery promises, such as 10-minute delivery commitments. They argue that these targets put immense pressure on delivery partners to rush, increasing the risk of road accidents and health issues. Unions have demanded that such unsafe delivery timelines be withdrawn.
globalwebhealth.com | royalearn.org | softxtubes.com
thedatinggirlz.com | foodtakezone.com
Algorithmic Control and Lack of Transparency
Another major concern is the growing role of algorithms in controlling work allocation, pay, ratings, and penalties. Workers say these systems operate without transparency, leaving them unsure why orders drop, incentives change, or penalties are imposed. This algorithmic control has reduced workers’ autonomy and increased stress.
Arbitrary Deactivation and Weak Grievance Systems
Many gig workers report sudden deactivation of their accounts or penalties without proper explanation or an effective appeal process. Workers say company grievance mechanisms are slow, inaccessible, or unresponsive, leaving them without income for days or even weeks.
Absence of Social Security Benefits
Gig workers remain largely excluded from traditional labour protections. Most do not receive health insurance, accident coverage, paid leave, pensions, or income support during illness or injury. Unions argue that despite being essential to platform operations, workers are treated as disposable contractors.
Union Demands and Policy Concerns
The unions leading the strike have placed a comprehensive set of demands before platform companies and policymakers. These include fair and transparent pay systems, removal of unsafe delivery targets, improved safety measures, accident insurance, reasonable working hours, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Workers are also demanding the implementation of social security benefits promised under existing labour frameworks. Although recent labour codes recognise gig and platform workers, unions say enforcement remains weak and benefits have not reached most workers on the ground.
Union leaders have emphasised that the strike is not anti-technology but a call for dignity, safety, and fairness in digital labour systems.
Impact on Consumers and Businesses
December 31 is one of the busiest days for food delivery, grocery orders, and online shopping. The strike is expected to cause delays and disruptions in multiple cities. Restaurants, small retailers, and e-commerce sellers who rely heavily on delivery platforms may face reduced sales and operational challenges.
While not all workers may participate due to financial constraints, unions say participation is expected to be significant enough to highlight the scale of dissatisfaction within the gig workforce.
Conclusion
The December 31 strike by gig workers associated with Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon and other platforms reflects deeper structural problems in India’s gig economy. Falling incomes, unsafe delivery expectations, lack of transparency, and absence of social security have pushed workers to demand urgent reforms.
As platform-based services become integral to daily life, the strike underscores the growing need to balance convenience and speed with fair labour practices. The outcome of this protest could play a crucial role in shaping the future of gig work and labour rights in India.
