No 10-Minute Delivery, Fair Pay: Gig Workers Issue Ultimatum Ahead Of December 31 Strike

New Delhi: On New Year's night, when most people depend on apps to order food, order essential items, or make last-minute purchases, there is going to be a major strike of gig workers across the country. Not food apps like Zomato, but delivery platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy, Amazon, Flipkart, and many others may be affected. The strike is being led by Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and IFAT, supported by organizations from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi-NCR, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.

Why are delivery workers going on strike?

Unions say app-based companies expect delivery partners to have long hours, low pay, unstable earnings, and constant monitoring. According to them, things like security, human dignity, and job stability are missing in this model. According to TGPWU President Sheikh Salauddin, 1 to 1.5 lakh workers may participate in the strike. Even during the initial strike on December 25, 50-60% of orders were delayed. He says, “25th December was just a trailer; the real picture will be seen on 31st December.”

What exactly are the workers demanding?

The union has placed five main demands before the companies:

• Return to the old payment structure, which provided better payments on festivals
• End 10-minute delivery model as it imposes unsafe pressure
• Transparency in ID blocking, the practice of closing accounts without giving any reason, should be stopped.
• Review of algorithm-based control as it reduces earnings and obscures incentives
• Social Security Benefits with Hearing and Complaint System

Salauddin alleges that the algorithms of the apps themselves now decide how much a worker will earn, which area he will go to, and when he will get the work. According to him, this system is neither fair nor does it give scope for dialogue.

How could this affect customers?

There is a huge demand for party planning, grocery delivery, and food ordering on the night of 31st December. In such a situation, due to the strike:

• Delivery may arrive very late
• Prices and surge charges may increase
• There will be a possibility of order cancellation
• Worker availability may appear low on many apps

Although the companies have not yet given an official comment, the unions claim that it will be difficult to return to work without a solution.

What happens next?

This strike is not just a question of one day's inconvenience but can also be the beginning of a larger debate regarding the future of the gig economy in India, the condition of workers, and the responsibilities of platform companies. This action, taking place on New Year's Eve, is a warning to both the industry and the government that it is no longer possible to avoid reforms.