Why Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato and Flipkart Delivery Staff Are on Nationwide Strike on December 31

Gig and platform workers linked to major delivery and e-commerce platforms launched a nationwide strike on Wednesday, December 31, just ahead of New Year celebrations.

The protest, led by worker unions, is expected to disrupt food and parcel deliveries in several cities as workers press for changes in pay, safety and job security.

The strike involves delivery partners associated with Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Amazon. According to union leaders, the action reflects growing frustration among gig workers over what they describe as unfair and opaque policies followed by platform-based companies.

Nationwide strike call and union backing

The protest call was given by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, which is part of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers. TGPWU founder and president Shaik Salauddin said the strike was announced after repeated appeals to companies failed to bring results.

Speaking to ANI, Salauddin said that workers across platforms have been raising the same concerns for a long time but have not seen meaningful engagement from companies. As a result, delivery partners from multiple apps decided to unite and stage a nationwide protest.

Demand for old payout system and safer deliveries

One of the core demands relates to earnings. Workers are asking for the restoration of the earlier payout structure, which they say ensured more stable and transparent income compared to the current model.

"Earlier, during festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Bakrid, fair payments were made. That system must be implemented again regularly," Salauddin was quoted as saying by ANI.

Another major issue flagged by the union is the 10-minute delivery model adopted by some platforms. Workers argue that such tight timelines force them to rush, add to mental stress and increase the risk of road accidents, especially during peak hours and festive seasons.

Account deactivations and algorithm concerns

The union has also raised concerns over the blocking or deactivation of worker accounts. Salauddin alleged that delivery partners often find their IDs suspended without clear reasons or proper communication, cutting off their income overnight and leaving them with no effective grievance redressal mechanism.

In addition, workers have criticised the use of algorithms to determine incentives and work allocation. According to the union, algorithm-driven systems have made earnings unpredictable and financially unstable, as delivery partners are unable to understand how payouts are calculated or why incentives change.

Call for social security and peaceful protest

The final demand centres on social security. The union has called for insurance coverage and welfare measures, pointing out that despite their growing numbers, gig workers remain outside basic social protection frameworks.

Salauddin said the decision to go ahead with a flash strike on December 31 was taken due to the lack of progress on these issues. He appealed to gig and platform workers across the country to participate peacefully, stressing that the aim of the strike is to draw the attention of companies and policymakers to the urgent challenges faced by gig workers.