Delivery workers associated with major food delivery and e-commerce platforms will observe a nationwide strike on December 31, intensifying their protest over pay, safety and job security in India’s expanding gig economy.

The protest follows a similar strike held on Christmas Day, December 25, with workers stating that repeated collective action is necessary to compel platform companies to address long-pending demands.

Strike called by unions, wide participation expected

The nationwide strike has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) along with the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT). Delivery partners from metro cities and major tier-2 cities, including several urban centres in Karnataka, are expected to participate.

Workers from platforms such as Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto and Flipkart are expected to join the action.

Workers cite falling earnings and unsafe conditions

Union representatives said that while customer demand for faster deliveries has increased, delivery workers are facing declining per-order earnings, longer working hours and unsafe delivery targets.

In a joint statement, TGPWU and IFAT said delivery workers, “despite being the backbone of last-mile delivery, especially during festivals and peak seasons,” are subjected to arbitrary ID blocking, lack of job security and the absence of basic welfare protections.

Key demands placed before platforms

The workers have outlined several demands, including:

  • An end to arbitrary ID blocking and penalties without due process
  • Improved safety measures and provision of safety gear
  • Assured work allocation without algorithmic discrimination
  • Mandatory rest breaks and reasonable working hours
  • Stronger app-based grievance redressal for payment and routing issues
  • Job security and social security benefits such as health insurance, accident cover and pension

Call for government regulation

The unions have urged both the Central and State Governments to step in and regulate platform-based companies, arguing that voluntary measures have failed to protect workers’ rights.

With large-scale participation expected, the December 31 strike may disrupt food delivery and online shopping services, while bringing renewed attention to the challenges faced by gig workers across the country.