“We Are Not Machines”: No Zomato, Swiggy Or Amazon Deliveries On Dec 31–Jan 1 — How The Gig Workers Strike May Affect You

On New Year’s Eve (December 31 and January 1), thousands of gig workers—mainly food, grocery and e-commerce delivery partners—went on strike across several Indian cities. These workers power everyday services for apps like Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart.

By logging out of apps on one of the busiest days of the year, workers aimed to draw attention to what they call unfair working conditions in India’s fast-growing gig economy. The strike will be for 31st Dec and 1st january

The nationwide gig workers’ strike was organised by unions including Gig and Platform Services Workers Union, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers and Gig Workers Association, with leadership from activist Shaik Salauddin.

Unions estimate around 1–1.7 lakh (100,000–170,000) gig workers participated nationwide on December 31, 2025, mainly by logging off delivery apps during peak hours.

What Is the Problem?

Gig workers say their earnings have fallen sharply despite working longer hours. Many claim that incentive systems change frequently and payments are controlled by algorithms that are not transparent.

Another major concern is worker safety. Delivery partners say ultra-fast delivery promises—like 10-minute deliveries—force them to rush through traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.

Workers also complain about sudden ID blocking. If an account is suspended or deactivated, a worker can lose their only source of income overnight, often without explanation.

Why Are They Protesting Now?

The strike comes after weeks of frustration. A smaller protest on Christmas Day already disrupted deliveries in several cities. Workers say repeated appeals to companies have not led to meaningful change, leaving them with no option but collective action.

New Year’s Eve was chosen deliberately, as delivery demand peaks during celebrations.

What Are the Workers Demanding?

The key demands of gig workers include:

Removal of unsafe delivery time targets, especially ultra-fast (10 minutes) delivery models
Fair and transparent pay systems with predictable earnings
No arbitrary ID blocking and a proper grievance process
Basic social security, including accident insurance and health cover
Recognition of the right to organise and negotiate collectively

Workers say they are not asking for luxury, only dignity, safety and stable income.

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What Has the Government Said?

So far, the central government has not announced any immediate decision. Worker unions have written to the Union Labour Ministry, seeking regulation of app-based companies and stronger legal protection for gig workers.

Some states have proposed welfare measures for gig workers, but unions say implementation is slow and benefits rarely reach workers on the ground.

What Are the Companies Saying?

Most platform companies have not directly addressed the strike demands.

Zomato and Swiggy announced higher payouts and festive incentives for New Year’s Eve, calling them routine seasonal bonuses.
Other platforms have either stayed silent or said services are running as usual.

Unions allege some workers faced account restrictions for joining protests, a claim companies have denied or not publicly clarified.

How Does This Affect the Public?

During earlier protests, deliveries slowed or stopped in parts of major cities. With the New Year’s Eve strike, many users faced delays in food, grocery and online orders.

Restaurants and small businesses that depend on delivery apps will also be affected.

Why This Strike Matters

This protest highlights a larger issue: millions of Indians now depend on gig work, but without the protections of regular jobs. As digital platforms grow, workers say the rules of the game must change to protect those who keep these services running.