The Big Shutdown: Gig Workers Strike Against 10-Minute Delivery Models on December 31
If you were planning to usher in 2026 with a late night feast or last minute party supplies, you might need a backup plan. On December 31, 2025, a massive wave of gig workers from major platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit officially launched a nationwide strike. This protest is set to cause significant delivery disruptions across the country precisely when demand is at its absolute peak. While millions of Indians prepare to celebrate, thousands of delivery partners are choosing to log off, highlighting a deepening crisis in the digital economy.
Why the Delivery Strike is Happening Now
This isn't just a sudden decision; it is the culmination of long standing frustrations. The gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit are protesting what they describe as a "breaking point" in their working conditions. Led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), the strike follows a similar flash protest held on Christmas Day. The workers are demanding a total overhaul of the current system, specifically calling for fairer pay and better safety protocols.
The Danger of the 10-Minute Delivery Model
One of the most heated points of contention involves the ultra-fast delivery mandates. Many gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit have voiced serious concerns over the 10 to 20 minute delivery windows pushed by companies like Zepto and Blinkit. Union leaders argue that these "impossible timelines" force riders to navigate dangerous traffic at high speeds, directly putting their lives at risk. Shaik Salauddin, a prominent union leader, noted that "The gig economy cannot be built on the broken bodies and silenced voices of workers."
Key Demands for Fair Wages and Social Security
The list of demands from the gig workers at Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit is comprehensive. They are pushing for a minimum per-kilometre rate of around Rs 20 and a guaranteed monthly income of roughly Rs 24,000. Beyond just the money, they are seeking legal recognition as "workers" rather than just "partners." This change would allow them access to vital social security benefits like health insurance, accident cover, and pension plans, which are currently missing for the vast majority of the workforce.
Fighting Against Algorithmic Control and ID Blocking
Another major grievance involves the lack of transparency in how these apps operate. Gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit have complained about "arbitrary ID blocking," where their accounts are deactivated without a clear reason or a way to appeal. The unions claim that unchecked algorithmic control treats human beings like slaves to software. As the TGPWU recently shared on social media, "All-India strike today was just the trailer. Picture abhi baaki hai – 31 Dec, 2025."
Platforms Respond with Mega Incentives
In an attempt to prevent a total service blackout, companies are pulling out all the stops. To keep gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit online, platforms are dangling massive carrots. Some apps are offering incentives as high as Rs 10,000 for those who work through the New Year period. Swiggy has even launched a lucky draw where top workers could win an electric scooter. Zomato, meanwhile, has deployed ads featuring Bollywood stars like Tamannaah Bhatia to entice riders with promises of high earnings.
What This Means for Your New Year’s Plans
For the average consumer, this means that ordering food or groceries today could be a gamble. With an estimated 1.5 lakh gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit expected to participate, delays of 90 minutes or more are likely in major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. While the platforms are doing everything they can to maintain operations, the sheer scale of the protest suggests that the "backbone of last-mile logistics" is ready to stand its ground for dignity and safety.
Why the Delivery Strike is Happening Now
This isn't just a sudden decision; it is the culmination of long standing frustrations. The gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit are protesting what they describe as a "breaking point" in their working conditions. Led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), the strike follows a similar flash protest held on Christmas Day. The workers are demanding a total overhaul of the current system, specifically calling for fairer pay and better safety protocols.The Danger of the 10-Minute Delivery Model
One of the most heated points of contention involves the ultra-fast delivery mandates. Many gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit have voiced serious concerns over the 10 to 20 minute delivery windows pushed by companies like Zepto and Blinkit. Union leaders argue that these "impossible timelines" force riders to navigate dangerous traffic at high speeds, directly putting their lives at risk. Shaik Salauddin, a prominent union leader, noted that "The gig economy cannot be built on the broken bodies and silenced voices of workers."Key Demands for Fair Wages and Social Security
The list of demands from the gig workers at Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit is comprehensive. They are pushing for a minimum per-kilometre rate of around Rs 20 and a guaranteed monthly income of roughly Rs 24,000. Beyond just the money, they are seeking legal recognition as "workers" rather than just "partners." This change would allow them access to vital social security benefits like health insurance, accident cover, and pension plans, which are currently missing for the vast majority of the workforce. Fighting Against Algorithmic Control and ID Blocking
Another major grievance involves the lack of transparency in how these apps operate. Gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit have complained about "arbitrary ID blocking," where their accounts are deactivated without a clear reason or a way to appeal. The unions claim that unchecked algorithmic control treats human beings like slaves to software. As the TGPWU recently shared on social media, "All-India strike today was just the trailer. Picture abhi baaki hai – 31 Dec, 2025."Platforms Respond with Mega Incentives
In an attempt to prevent a total service blackout, companies are pulling out all the stops. To keep gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit online, platforms are dangling massive carrots. Some apps are offering incentives as high as Rs 10,000 for those who work through the New Year period. Swiggy has even launched a lucky draw where top workers could win an electric scooter. Zomato, meanwhile, has deployed ads featuring Bollywood stars like Tamannaah Bhatia to entice riders with promises of high earnings. What This Means for Your New Year’s Plans
For the average consumer, this means that ordering food or groceries today could be a gamble. With an estimated 1.5 lakh gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit expected to participate, delays of 90 minutes or more are likely in major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. While the platforms are doing everything they can to maintain operations, the sheer scale of the protest suggests that the "backbone of last-mile logistics" is ready to stand its ground for dignity and safety. Next Story