Gig workers plan nationwide strike on December 31 over pay, safety and work conditions
PTC Web Desk: A nationwide strike by gig and platform workers is being planned for New Year’s Eve, December 31, with delivery partners, cab drivers and home service workers expected to participate across multiple cities. The coordinated protest has been announced by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) along with the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union.
According to reports by CNBC-TV18 and The Hindu, workers associated with leading e-commerce and service platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart are set to take part. The protest aims to highlight long-standing concerns related to income stability, safety risks and working conditions in the gig economy.
The planned strike follows a similar protest on Christmas Day, December 25, called by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU). That action led to noticeable service disruptions in parts of Gurugram, while areas in Delhi and Noida experienced limited impact, as earlier reported.
Key demands raised by gig workers
Workers are seeking income security aligned with statutory minimum wages, along with a clear and transparent pay structure. Ride-hailing drivers have demanded a minimum fare of Rs 20 per km to ensure sustainable earnings.
Other demands include an eight-hour workday, compensation for overtime and comprehensive social security coverage, including insurance support during accidents, illness or emergencies.
A major safety concern raised by unions is the continuation of “10-minute delivery” models, which workers argue encourage rash driving and put lives at risk. They have called for these ultra-fast delivery promises to be withdrawn.
Safety during winter nights has also emerged as a pressing issue. Workers are urging platforms to suspend late-night deliveries after 11 pm during periods of dense fog, citing poor visibility and hazardous road conditions.
Christmas strike disrupts services in Gurugram
The December 25 strike had its strongest impact in Gurugram, where residents reported significant delays in food and grocery deliveries. Areas such as Badshahpur (Sector 66), Sohna Road, and Sectors 31, 47 and 48 were among the worst affected.
Delivery partners staged coordinated log-offs and gathered at several busy locations. Around 70–80 workers assembled at Rodeo Drive Market Complex in Sector 47, while additional protests were reported at Baani Square (Sector 50), ILD Tower near Subhash Chowk, Eros City Square (Sector 49) and HUDA Market (Sector 46). Smaller groups of 50 to 100 workers were also reported at other spots across the city.
Allegations of retaliation
Some protesters alleged retaliatory action by platform companies. A delivery partner claimed his rate card was removed from the app after a supervisor noticed his participation in the protest. Workers said such incidents have created fear and uncertainty among those joining the demonstrations.
With unions now calling for a nationwide shutdown on December 31, further service disruptions are expected if talks between platforms and worker representatives fail to make progress.
- With inputs from agencies
