Gig Workers Strike: Delivery workers from major food delivery and online shopping platforms like Amazon, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Flipkart have announced a nationwide strike on December 31st, 2025. These workers say this decision is aimed at increasing pressure on companies, as unions say working conditions in the gig economy are steadily deteriorating. The strike was called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers. Delivery workers from metro cities and major tier-2 cities are expected to participate.
what do gig workers want?
Gig workers’ unions argue that platform companies have excessive control over the algorithms that determine work targets and pay. They say that risks are being passed on to workers, while delivery deadlines become increasingly stringent and incentive rules are frequently changed.
In their statement, the unions said that delivery workers – who play a vital role in delivering food and parcels to people, especially during festive and busy times – are facing serious problems, including declining income, long and uncertain working hours, insecure delivery deadlines, work IDs being blocked without warning, and a lack of any basic social security or welfare support.
Unions have also demanded strengthened grievance redressal mechanisms within the apps, particularly for issues like route-related problems and payment failures. Workers also want job security measures, such as scheduled rest breaks, health insurance, accident coverage, and pension benefits. A payer system is also among their key demands. According to reports, workers are also demanding an end to the ultra-fast 10-minute delivery model.
What are the unions demanding from the government?
Workers’ unions have urged the central and state governments to act immediately on their demands, including stricter regulations for platform companies, strict enforcement of labor laws, social security schemes for gig workers, and official recognition of the right to form unions and negotiate collectively.
Union leader Sheikh Sallauddin said that unsafe working practices, declining wages, and a lack of any social security are pushing delivery workers beyond their limits. He said that this strike is to demand justice, dignity, and accountability, and the government cannot remain a mute spectator while companies profit at the cost of workers’ lives.
What help has the government provided to gig workers so far?
The strike comes at a time when the government has implemented new labor reforms to formally recognize gig and platform workers. Under the revised Code on Social Security, which came into effect on November 21, 2025, digital platforms will now be required to contribute 1–2% of their annual turnover to a social security fund. However, this contribution will be limited to a maximum of 5% of the total payments made to gig workers.
The fund’s purpose is to support welfare schemes such as health insurance, accident insurance, and maternity benefits. The new rules also mandate Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Numbers so that workers can carry their benefits with them when working across platforms. The legal definition of gig and platform work has also been expanded.