Nationwide Strike: Delivery Employees Demand Pay Hikes; Zomato, Swiggy Announces New Incentives, All Details

Amidst one of the busiest nights of the year, delivery employees of e-commerce players like Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto and Amazon among others carried a nationwide strike on December 31st. These gig workers are unhappy with the pay structures and working conditions, and hence demand immediate resolution. Because of this, many areas in India are affected. However, a new report said that Zomato and Swiggy have declared incentives during rush hours and high demands like New Year's Eve and New Year which is till January 1, 2026.

Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, Amazon Strikes:

Gig workers from companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Amazon joined hands with the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) for a nationwide strike. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) president, Shaik Salauddin told ANI that the strike is organised due to what workers describe as unfair policies followed by these online foods and groceries delivery companies.

The workers complained that their concerns have remained undressed despite many appeals. They demand for change in working conditions and pay structure. The protest was broadly organised by TGPWU.

Salauddin told ANI that, "Earlier, during festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Bakrid, fair payments were made. That system must be implemented again regularly."

Zomato, Swiggy Announces New Incentives For Delivery Partners:

According to Peek TV news, to ensure service continuity, Zomato introduced peak-hour payouts ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 150 per order between 6PM to 12 AM. Apart from this the largest food delivery app and owner of quick service app, Blinkit, is offering a potential for daily earnings up to Rs 3,000. Also, Zomato has announced temporary waiver on penalties due to order denials and cancellation during New Year's Eve and New Year.

On the other hand, Zomato's rival Swiggy has announced earnings of up to Rs 10,000 from December 31st to January 1st to delivery partners. Also, Instamart parent has announced peak-hour incentives of up to Rs 2,000 on New Year's Eve.

The Peek TV news reported that both companies maintain that such incentive hikes are part of their standard operating protocol during festive and high-demand periods.