Ordering From Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon or Flipkart? Why Deliveries May Not Reach You on Dec 25, 31

Delivery and gig workers attached to some of India's largest app-based platforms have announced a nationwide strike on December 25 and December 31, stepping up pressure on companies and governments over what they describe as deteriorating work conditions and shrinking incomes.

Workers associated with food delivery, quick commerce, e-commerce and home service platforms say the protest is aimed at drawing attention to long working hours, safety risks and the absence of basic social security despite their growing role in last-mile delivery.

Why Delivery Workers Are Striking

The strike call covers workers linked to platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart, among other e-commerce aggregators.

In a joint statement, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers said delivery partners are facing mounting pressure during peak seasons without adequate safeguards.

"Despite being the backbone of last-mile delivery, especially during peak seasons and festivals, delivery workers are forced to endure long working hours, falling earnings, unsafe delivery targets, arbitrary ID blocking, lack of job security, and absence of basic welfare protections," the unions said.

Key Demands Raised By Workers

A central demand of the protesting workers is a fair and transparent wage structure across platforms. They have also called for the immediate withdrawal of so-called "10-minute delivery" models, which they say encourage unsafe driving and unrealistic targets.

Other demands include an end to arbitrary ID blocking and penalties without due process, improved safety measures such as proper safety gear, and assured work allocation without algorithmic discrimination. Workers are also seeking respect and dignity at work, mandatory rest breaks, reasonable working hours, and stronger app-based support systems to address routing or payment failures.

In addition, the unions have demanded job security and social security benefits, including health insurance, accident coverage and pension provisions.

Call For Government Regulation

Beyond platform-level changes, workers are urging intervention from both the Central and State Governments. They want stricter regulation of app-based companies to ensure minimum labour standards and accountability.

"Delivery workers are being pushed to breaking point by unsafe work models, falling incomes, and total absence of social protection. This strike is a collective call for justice, dignity, and accountability. The government can no longer remain a silent spectator while platform companies profit at the cost of workers' lives," said Shaik Salauddin, Founder and President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union.

The all-India strike on December 25 and 31 is expected to impact deliveries across multiple cities, especially during the year-end holiday rush, as workers seek to amplify their demands for fair treatment and long-term protections.