Gig workers' biggest concern is the app-based control system. They say that payments, delivery targets, and incentives are determined entirely by algorithms, with virtually no transparency.

Why are gig workers of Swiggy, Zomato, and Amazon going on strike from December 31? What are their demands?

Gig Workers on Strike: Gig workers associated with major online shopping and delivery platforms like Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Flipkart, and Zepto have announced a nationwide strike starting December 31, 2025. Gig workers, who have been on strike since December 25, are also continuing their protest to press for the same demands. Gig workers say the strike aims to put pressure on companies, as their working conditions are worsening over time, while companies' profits are steadily increasing.

Gig workers' strike

The strike is being organized under the banner of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers. The unions claim that it will involve a large number of gig workers not only in major metro cities but also in tier-2 cities, which could have a significant impact on delivery services. According to union leaders, while the demand for fast and timely delivery is constantly increasing, workers are neither receiving commensurate pay nor being provided with safe and respectful working conditions.

Gig workers' biggest concern is the app-based control system. They say that payments, delivery targets, and incentives are determined entirely through algorithms, with virtually no transparency. According to workers, the risks of delivery are entirely borne by them, while deadlines are strictly enforced. Furthermore, frequent changes to the incentive structure make their income unstable and uncertain, severely impacting their financial security.

Protests against working conditions and pay

The union statement said that delivery workers serve as the backbone of the platforms, especially during weekends, peak hours, and festivals, but despite this, they face problems such as long working hours, insecure delivery deadlines, and steadily declining earnings. Gig workers say that their protest will continue until their demands regarding working conditions, wages, and social security are seriously considered.