Delivery workers from major e-commerce and food delivery platforms, including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon, and Flipkart, are staging an All-India strike today, December 25, and on December 31, 2025. The strike is expected to cause disruptions in food delivery and e-commerce services across the country during the Christmas and New Year's Eve holidays, which are peak demand periods.
The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) have called for the strike to protest what they describe as worsening working conditions in the rapidly expanding gig and platform economy. The unions argue that despite the sector's growth, workers face declining incomes, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of basic labor protections. They also highlight long working hours, unsafe delivery targets, arbitrary account deactivations, and a lack of welfare benefits, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
The unions have presented a list of demands, including transparent and fair wage structures that reflect actual working hours and costs. They are calling for the immediate withdrawal of "10-minute delivery" models, which they claim endanger workers' lives by placing excessive pressure on them. The unions are also demanding an end to arbitrary penalties and account blocking without due process, improved safety measures with protective gear and accident insurance, and consistent work allocation free from algorithm-based discrimination. Additionally, they seek mandatory rest breaks, reasonable working hours, stronger in-app technical and grievance support, and access to social security benefits like health insurance, accident cover, and pensions.
The strike comes as the government rolls out labor reforms aimed at formally recognizing gig and platform workers. Under the revised Code on Social Security, digital platforms are required to contribute 1-2% of their annual turnover to a Social Security Fund, capped at 5% of the total payments made to gig workers. However, union leaders argue that while the framework marks progress, enforcement and tangible benefits for workers remain limited, prompting the call for collective action.
Union leaders are urging both the Central and state governments to immediately regulate platform companies, enforce labor protections, and implement social security frameworks for gig and platform workers. They are also demanding recognition of their right to organize and collectively bargain. Shaik Salauddin, a union leader, stated that delivery workers are being pushed to their limits due to unsafe work systems, shrinking earnings, and a lack of social protection and that the government cannot remain silent while companies profit at the expense of workers' lives.
While the strike is scheduled for a limited time on both days, users in major cities may experience temporary disruptions in services. The action reflects growing unrest and underscores the urgent need for legislation to protect the rights and livelihoods of gig workers.
