December 31 : A nationwide strike by gig and platform workers is underway today as delivery partners across India protest pay cuts, safety risks and the lack of legal recognition as workers. The action involves workers associated with major platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart.
Worker unions and collectives report participation across several metropolitan areas, with many delivery partners choosing to remain offline through the day. While services continue in some locations during the morning hours, news reports indicate that disruptions are expected to grow later in the day, especially during peak New Year’s Eve demand.
The strike follows earlier protest actions held this month and was extended through December 31 to draw attention to long-standing grievances on one of the busiest delivery days of the year. Workers say frequent changes to payout structures, algorithm-driven task allocation and pressure to meet ultra-fast delivery targets have reduced earnings and increased road safety risks.
A central issue raised by workers is their legal status. Despite performing core operational roles, gig workers are classified by companies as “partners” or independent contractors rather than employees. This classification means they are not formally recognised as workers under labour laws and therefore lack benefits such as minimum wage protections, paid leave, health insurance and job security.
Platforms have responded by offering temporary incentives, higher per-order payments and relaxed penalties in an effort to maintain service levels. Some retailers and FMCG companies have also increased offline stocking to reduce reliance on app-based delivery services.
Labour experts say the strike highlights the widening gap between India’s fast-growing platform economy and existing labour protections. While government discussions on regulating gig work have taken place in recent years, workers say meaningful safeguards remain limited. Unions have warned that further protests could follow if demands around wages, safety and legal recognition remain unaddressed.
