Food delivery and online shopping plans for New Year’s Eve face challenges this year, as Gig Workers are calling for a nationwide strike on December 31. This protest impact services across food delivery, quick commerce, and ecommerce apps. The workers of ding Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon, and Flipkart demand for fair pay in protest.
Delivery delays on New Year’s Eve due to gig workers strike
According to a report, the strike announced jointly by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union. The timing is important, as both December 25 and December 31 are some of the busiest days of the year for these platforms, driven by festive meals, parties, and last-minute shopping.
If the strike gains widespread support, customers may experience delayed deliveries, fewer delivery partners available, or even temporary service interruptions in some cities.
Workers point out tight delivery deadlines in strike
The unions state that the decision to strike stems from ongoing issues with working conditions in the gig economy that have not been resolved. Delivery partners argue that while platforms continue to demand faster deliveries and increased order volumes, their earnings have either stagnated or dropped. Many say they must stay logged in for longer hours just to earn a basic income, especially during busy days and festivals.
Safety has also become a significant concern. Gig Workers have pointed out that tight delivery timelines and targets, especially under “10-minute delivery” models, increase the risk of road accidents. They have also raised the issue of sudden account deactivations, where delivery partners can unexpectedly lose access to work without clear reasons or a proper appeals process.
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