As India gears up for New Year’s Eve 2025, a major unrest is brewing across the gig economy. Delivery workers from major platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Amazon, Flipkart and Zepto are planning a nationwide strike to protest unsafe working conditions and unfair pay practices — with the controversial “10-minute delivery” model at the heart of their demands.
This strike could disrupt key delivery services across the country during one of the busiest times of the year. Here’s a compact, easy-to-read guide that breaks it all down with facts, context, and what it means for consumers and workers alike.
Table of Contents
📍 What’s Happening & Why
Gig workers — including food delivery riders and quick-commerce delivery partners — have called for a **nationwide protest on December 31, 2025. The strike follows a smaller walkout on December 25 that caused significant delivery delays in parts of Gurugram and Delhi. Hindustan Times
At the core of the protest is a call to ban “10-minute delivery” models, which workers argue force unsafe driving, increase accident risk and drain earnings due to unrealistic targets. www.ndtv.com
📊 Strike Demands at a Glance
| Key Demand | Reason |
|---|---|
| Ban on 10-minute delivery targets | Too fast, unsafe and stressful for riders |
| Fair & transparent pay | Workers want clear minimum earnings |
| Social security benefits | Including accident insurance |
| Safer working conditions | Restrict deliveries in protest weather (fog, late night) |
| End to arbitrary ID blocking | Prevents unexplained deactivations |
This strike is backed by unions such as the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig & Platform Workers Union (TGPWU). Hindustan Times
📦 How the Strike Could Impact Services
The 10-minute delivery promise has been a hallmark feature of quick commerce apps like Blinkit, which operates by promising ultra-fast orders through dense networks of “dark stores.” The Week
But if thousands of delivery riders adhere to the strike, customers may experience:
- Delayed food and quick-commerce orders
- Cancellations during peak hours (New Year’s Eve)
- Longer wait times for groceries and essentials
According to industry trackers and analysts, the strike could involve around 100,000–150,000 riders, potentially cutting order volumes significantly during peak times. The Economic Times
🌐 Broader Gig Economy Stressors
This protest isn’t an isolated event — it highlights long-standing tensions in India’s gig economy, where millions of workers lack formal job protections, fixed pay, and structured benefits despite playing a pivotal role in last-mile delivery systems. Inc42 Media
Safety concerns, unclear pay structures and algorithmic pressure from apps are major drivers. Lawmakers have also raised these issues in Parliament, debating protections for gig workers and possible regulations on quick-commerce services. Inc42 Media
Stay Informed and Prepared
For consumers, staying aware of delivery timelines and booking orders early on December 31 might help avoid potential disruptions. You can track official gig worker rights updates at the Ministry of Labour & Employment – Government of India:
👉 https://labour.gov.in
And for deeper insights into gig economy trends, tech disruptions and labour policies, read more on technosports.co.in, where we analyse emerging work-tech issues and platform trends. (Internal link for retention and relevance.)
FAQs
Will the December 31 strike affect all delivery services?
Not every service may be disrupted, but major food and quick-commerce platforms could see delays due to planned walk-outs. The Economic Times
Why do workers oppose the 10-minute delivery model?
They argue it compromises safety and earnings, forcing riders to speed and work under pressure.
