Gig Workers Call Nationwide Shutdown, Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and other Services Likely to Be Disrupted for Two Days

Gig and platform workers have announced a two-day All-India Strike on December 25 (Christmas) and December 31 (New Year’s Eve), protesting against worsening working conditions, low pay, lack of safety, dignity, and social security. The strike is expected to significantly impact food delivery and e-commerce services on two of the busiest days of the year.

The strike call has been given by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), which says delivery workers are being pushed into economic insecurity despite being the backbone of last-mile delivery services.

Why Gig and Delivery Workers Are Going on Strike

According to TGPWU, delivery workers face growing pressure with declining earnings and rising targets. Union leaders say platforms continue to increase workloads while cutting payouts.

Key Issues Raised by Workers

• Falling per-order payments
• Increased delivery targets
• Long and exhausting working hours
• Unsafe delivery conditions
• Arbitrary blocking of worker IDs
• No job security or welfare protection

TGPWU President Shaik Salauddin said delivery workers are forced to absorb all risks while platform companies exercise unchecked control through algorithms.

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Platforms Likely to Be Affected

Gig workers associated with major aggregator platforms have extended support to the strike, including workers from:

• Swiggy
• Zomato
• Blinkit
• Flipkart

Workers have urged delivery riders across the country to stay indoors on December 25 and 31, when order volumes are at their highest.

Strike Dates and Expected Impact

• 📅 Strike Dates: December 25 & December 31, 2025
• 🚫 Likely Impact:
  • Food delivery disruptions
  • Grocery and quick-commerce delays
  • E-commerce last-mile delivery slowdown

Customers are advised to plan essential orders in advance.

Growing Concerns Over Gig Worker Conditions in India

Gig workers are defined by the Union government as individuals earning outside traditional employer-employee relationships. While gig workers were brought under labour laws through the Code on Social Security, 2020, implementation gaps remain.

India’s gig workforce is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, but labour experts warn that unfair practices and exploitation continue to rise without strict regulation.

Several states, including Telangana, have taken steps to introduce welfare legislation for gig workers. The Telangana government recently approved a draft law aimed at social security, welfare funds, grievance redressal, and mandatory contributions by aggregator companies.

However, worker unions have flagged concerns such as the absence of a minimum wage guarantee, weak representation, and unclear benefit structures.

Key Demands of Gig Workers

According to TGPWU, the core demands behind the strike include:

• ✊ Fair and transparent wages reflecting real work hours and costs
• 🛑 End to arbitrary ID blocking and penalties
• 🦺 Improved safety gear and accident insurance
• ⚙️ Fair work allocation without algorithmic discrimination
• 🤝 Respect, dignity, and humane treatment
• 🛡️ Job security and social security, including health insurance and pensions

Workers have also urged the Centre and state governments to strictly regulate aggregator companies and enforce labour protections.

Nationwide Unrest Among Gig Workers

The All-India Strike on December 25 and 31 reflects growing nationwide unrest among gig and platform workers who say current systems prioritize profits over people. With millions dependent on app-based work, the outcome of this protest could influence future labour policies in India.

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