Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon delivery staff go on nationwide strike before New Year. What are their demands and why workers say change is urgent

Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon delivery staff go on nationwide strike before New Year. What are their demands became a major talking point across India as thousands of gig and platform workers stopped work on December 31. The strike came just a day before New Year celebrations, a period usually marked by high demand for food delivery and online shopping services.

Delivery workers associated with platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Amazon took part in the nationwide protest. The strike was organised under the banner of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, following a call given by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union. Workers from several states joined the action to highlight what they describe as unfair work policies, unstable income systems and the absence of basic social security.

The protest was planned as a flash strike to draw immediate attention from both platform companies and policymakers. Workers said they had raised their concerns many times earlier but received no meaningful response, forcing them to take collective action.

Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon delivery staff go on nationwide strike before New Year amid growing pressure

Gig workers said that app-based companies depend heavily on their labour, especially during peak seasons, but continue to reduce earnings and increase pressure through strict delivery timelines. According to union representatives, recent changes in payout structures have made incomes unpredictable and difficult to manage.

Many workers pointed out that earlier payment systems offered clearer and more stable earnings. Festival seasons such as Diwali, Dussehra and Bakrid once provided fair incentives that helped workers cover rising expenses. Over time, these systems were replaced with algorithm-based models that workers say are difficult to understand and often reduce take-home pay.

Another major issue raised during the strike was the introduction of ultra-fast delivery models. Workers argued that 10-minute delivery targets push them to take risks on busy roads, increasing the chances of accidents. They said safety is being compromised in the race to meet unrealistic timelines set by apps.

The strike also highlighted concerns over sudden account deactivations. Delivery workers said that IDs are often blocked without proper explanation or warning. Once deactivated, workers lose their only source of income and have no clear grievance system to appeal the decision. This lack of transparency has created fear and insecurity among gig workers.

Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon delivery staff go on nationwide strike before New Year seeking basic protections

A key demand of the protest focused on social security. Despite forming a large and growing part of India’s workforce, gig workers remain outside most labour protections. Workers said they are not covered by health insurance, accident compensation or long-term welfare schemes.

Delivery partners spend long hours on the road, often in difficult weather conditions, yet medical expenses and accident risks are fully borne by them. The union demanded insurance coverage, welfare benefits and recognition of gig work as a form of employment that deserves protection under labour laws.

Workers also expressed concern over how algorithms control their work. Incentives, order allocation and ratings are decided by automated systems, leaving workers with little control over their earnings. Many said that even small changes in app algorithms can drastically reduce income, making financial planning impossible.

Union leaders said the strike was peaceful and aimed at creating awareness. Workers across cities were encouraged to participate without disrupting public order. The protest was meant to send a clear message that gig workers can no longer be treated as replaceable or invisible. Also Read: Withdraw 10-Minute Delivery’: Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon Delivery Staff Go on Nationwide Strike; 5 Key Demands Explained

Conclusion

The nationwide strike has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by gig and platform workers in India. As Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon delivery staff go on nationwide strike before New Year, their demands reflect deeper concerns about fair pay, safety, transparency and social security. Whether companies and policymakers respond meaningfully to these concerns may shape the future of platform-based work in the country.