‘Remove 10-Minute Delivery Option’: Gig Workers Launch Nationwide Strike on New Year’s Eve
Gig workers associated with major food delivery and quick-commerce platforms have launched a nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025), demanding the removal of the 10-minute delivery option and changes to the existing pay structure.
Delivery partners from platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, and Amazon participated in the protest by switching off their apps and refusing to accept orders during one of the busiest days of the year.
What Are the Workers Demanding?
The primary demand of the striking gig workers is the removal of ultra-fast 10-minute delivery targets, which they say put excessive pressure on riders and compromise road safety.
Workers and unions have argued that:
- Tight delivery deadlines force unsafe driving
- Earnings have reduced despite longer working hours
- Pay structures lack transparency
- There is no adequate compensation for risk and fuel costs
They are also seeking a revision of the payout system, better incentives, and basic social security benefits.
Who Is Supporting the Strike?
The strike has been supported by several workers’ groups and unions, including gig and platform worker collectives active in major cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Union leaders claim that thousands of delivery partners joined the protest nationwide.
Impact on Customers
The strike is expected to cause:
- Delays in food and grocery deliveries
- Reduced availability of delivery partners
- Possible order cancellations during peak hours
Customers have been advised to plan in advance or consider alternatives such as in-store purchases.
Why the Issue Matters
The protest highlights growing concerns in India’s gig economy around worker safety, fair pay, and working conditions. With quick-commerce and fast-delivery models expanding rapidly, gig workers are calling for policies that balance speed with safety and fair compensation.
As of now, delivery platforms have not issued a detailed public response to the strike demands.
