Gig Workers Strike Disrupts Food Delivery, Quick Commerce Services
Hyderabad, Dec 25 (Maxim News): Gig workers associated with major app based platforms launched a nationwide strike, calling for better wages, safety, and social security. The gig workers strike affected services linked to Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon, and Flipkart across multiple states.
The Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers, along with the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, led the strike call. Workers announced the protest for Christmas Day and New Year Day. As a result, food delivery and quick commerce services faced disruptions in several cities.
Workers said long working hours, reduced earnings, and lack of safety triggered the nationwide action. They also raised concerns over rising penalties and account deactivations. Therefore, unions described the situation as unsustainable for platform workers.
The gig workers strike focused on multiple demands linked to working conditions. Workers demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ten minute delivery model. They said the model increased accident risks and mental stress. In addition, they sought fair and transparent wage structures.
Unions demanded clear incentive systems without sudden changes. They also asked platforms to stop arbitrary ID blocking and penalty practices. Moreover, workers called for mandatory rest breaks during long shifts.
Health insurance and social security emerged as major demands during the protest. Workers asked companies to provide accident coverage and medical benefits. They also urged governments to ensure welfare measures for gig workers.
In Karnataka, unions expressed dissatisfaction over delays in implementing the Gig Workers Social Security Act 2025. They said the law exists on paper but lacks ground level execution. Consequently, workers demanded immediate enforcement of the Act.
The gig workers strike saw participation from lakhs of workers across Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and other states. Therefore, industry observers expected significant service disruptions over the two day protest period.
Quick commerce platforms faced higher impact due to dependence on high frequency deliveries. Meanwhile, food delivery services reported limited availability in several urban areas. However, companies did not issue official responses during the initial phase of the strike.
Labour experts noted that gig workers increasingly seek formal protections. They said platform based employment continues to grow without matching safeguards. Hence, the current gig workers strike reflects deeper structural issues in the digital economy.
Unions stated that protests would continue if demands remain unmet. They also urged central and state governments to initiate dialogue. Meanwhile, consumers were advised to expect delays during peak hours.
The nationwide gig workers strike marks one of the largest coordinated actions by platform workers in recent years. Consequently, the protest has drawn attention to working conditions in India’s app based service sector. (Maxim News)
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates
