New Year Food Delivery Delay? Swiggy–Zomato Gig Workers Call Strike; List of 10 Key Demands

Food delivery may slow down on New Year as gig workers across major platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Blinkit have announced a strike. Workers are protesting for fair pay, safety gear, social security benefits and rollback of 10-minute delivery models.

Cities relying heavily on fast delivery for food, groceries and medicines may face delays if the strike continues during the festive week. This comes days after Christmas deliveries were disrupted due to nationwide protests.

Why Are Swiggy and Zomato Delivery Partners Protesting?

Gig workers say their income has not increased despite rising order volumes and harsh working conditions. Delivery executives claim they work long hours in extreme cold, fog and traffic without proper social security or break policy. Union representatives argue that big delivery platforms are earning profits while workers operate with high risk and no job security.

Two major unions — Telangana Gig & Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) — have supported the movement, urging government intervention.

Platforms Likely to Be Affected

Workers affiliated with multiple platforms are expected to participate:

• Swiggy
• Zomato
• Zepto
• Blinkit
• Flipkart
• Amazon
• Other app-based delivery services

The strike is planned to continue through December 31, raising concerns of delays during New Year celebrations.

Gig Workers’ 10 Key Demands

1. Improvement in pay structure and working conditions
2. Immediate rollback of 10-minute quick delivery model
3. End to random ID blocking and unfair penalties
4. Mandatory safety gear including helmets & jackets
5. Fair task distribution without algorithm bias
6. Respectful behaviour from customers and platform teams
7. Fixed work hours and compulsory rest breaks
8. Strong technical support to avoid payment issues
9. Health insurance, accident cover, pension, and social security funds
10. Government regulation and oversight for gig economy platforms

Workers Highlight Risks Faced Daily

Delivery personnel claim they are often penalized even for false complaints and risk losing their ID without proper investigation. Many say there is no fixed earning guarantee and payments can drop suddenly due to algorithm changes. Long-term career insecurity remains a major concern.

TGPWU president Saik Salauddin stated that gig workers are operating in unsafe conditions without sufficient protection, urging authorities to enforce better labour rights in the platform economy.

Impact on Consumers This New Year

If the strike continues, customers may experience:

• Delayed Swiggy/Zomato food delivery
• Slower Blinkit/Zepto grocery delivery
• Possible disruption in Amazon/Flipkart courier services
• Longer wait times during peak New Year orders

The strike highlights the growing call for fair labour practices in India’s fast-rising gig economy. With demand expected to surge on New Year’s Eve, both companies and government bodies may face pressure to hold dialogue with worker unions. The coming days will determine whether platforms reach a compromise or if disruptions extend into 2025.

FAQs – Gig Workers Strike in India

1. Why are Swiggy and Zomato workers on strike?

They are demanding fair wages, social security benefits, safer working conditions, and the removal of the 10-minute delivery model.

2. Will food delivery be available on New Year?

Services may be operational but delivery speed could be slower due to reduced workforce and ongoing protests.

3. What are workers demanding from companies?

Better income, insurance, safety equipment, transparent policies, and protection from random ID blocking.

4. Which apps could be affected by this strike?

Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, Flipkart and other delivery-based apps.

5. Is the government involved?

Worker unions are urging central and state governments to regulate gig platforms and provide legal protection to delivery partners.