Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Amazon & Other Platforms Delivery Workers' Strike Today on 31st December: Know Reason

Delivery workers associated with major e-commerce and food delivery platforms, including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon, Flipkart & Others are set to observe a nationwide flash strike on 31st December, protesting what they describe as worsening working conditions in India's fast-growing gig and platform economy. The protest is expected to temporarily disrupt food delivery and quick-commerce services in several cities.

All-India Gig Workers' Strike on 31st December on New Year 2026 Eve

As part of the protest, delivery partners across platforms will stop work for two hours, leading to short-term service disruptions. The strike has been called by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) in coordination with the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU).

Union leaders said the action is aimed at highlighting long-pending issues related to falling earnings, unsafe delivery timelines, and the absence of basic labour protections for gig workers who power India's digital delivery ecosystem.

Delivery Workers' Protest Held on 25 December

This is not the first such action by platform workers. A similar two-hour flash strike was held on 25 December, Christmas Day, when delivery workers across several cities logged off apps to protest declining incomes, algorithm-driven penalties and unsafe delivery expectations. Union representatives said the December 31 strike is a continuation of that protest, as companies have failed to address workers' concerns.

Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon & Other Platforms' Delivery Workers Strike Today on Falling Pay, Unsafe 10-Minute Delivery & More Issues

An Amazon delivery executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the protest is aimed at demanding fairer pay and an end to unrealistic delivery timelines that put lives at risk.

"This protest is happening because we want our earnings to improve and the 10-minute delivery model to be scrapped. Either companies should stop pushing these impossible timelines or introduce time-based deliveries that are actually achievable. Every day, our lives are at risk on the road because of these pressures," he said.

Delivery Partner Claims Workers Now Bear Fuel Expenses as Reimbursements Shrink; Unfair Ratings Forced Exit

Another delivery partner, who has previously worked with both Zomato and Swiggy, said he eventually quit platform work due to rising out-of-pocket expenses and reduced reimbursements. According to him, delivery workers are now forced to shoulder costs that were earlier covered by companies.

"Earlier, companies used to reimburse petrol and vehicle expenses on a daily basis. Now, payments are made weekly, and even those are often reduced with multiple explanations. How can anyone continue delivering orders by paying from their own pocket?" he asked.

He further pointed out that delivery routes have become increasingly unreasonable, making timely completion nearly impossible. "We are asked to travel 10 kilometres just to pick up an order and then go another long distance to deliver it. When we fail to meet these unrealistic targets, our ratings are cut. In the end, everything is blamed on the delivery worker, even when the expectations are clearly impractical," he said.

Rider Flags Safety Risks Linked to Seven-Eight Minute Delivery Targets

A Blinkit delivery partner also flagged serious safety concerns linked to ultra-fast delivery promises. He said workers are under constant pressure to meet extremely tight deadlines, regardless of traffic or weather conditions.

"We are told to pick up items and drop them within seven or eight minutes. Just waiting at a traffic signal can take a full minute. Add fog, rain, extreme cold or heat, and it becomes even more dangerous. Despite all this, our ratings are reduced if we are late," he said, calling the system unsafe and unfair.

Key Demands Raised by Delivery Workers

Unions representing gig workers have outlined several demands, including:

• Transparent and fair wage structures across platforms
• Withdrawal of ultra-fast delivery models such as 10-minute deliveries
• An end to arbitrary penalties, ID deactivations and opaque algorithmic decisions
• Reasonable delivery distances and timelines
• Mandatory rest breaks and safer working conditions
• Comprehensive accident insurance, health cover and social security benefits

E-commerce Websites' Reaction on Delivery Partners' Strike

Meanwhile, Goodreturns reached out to Swiggy, including its food delivery and Instamart services, as well as Zomato and Blinkit, seeking their response to the workers' allegations and the planned strike. However, the companies declined to comment. Responses from Amazon and Flipkart are still awaited.