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India Gig-Worker Strike Disrupts Christmas Deliveries, Second Walkout Set for Dec. 31

Workers cite unsafe ultra-fast models, falling pay, opaque algorithms, lack of social security as core grievances.

Overview

  • Quick-commerce and food deliveries were delayed or unfulfilled in several areas, with suspensions reported in parts of Gurgaon and the wider National Capital Region.
  • The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union led the action involving partners of Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart.
  • Demands include withdrawal of 10-minute delivery promises, transparent pay and incentives, safeguards against arbitrary ID blocking, improved safety gear and accident insurance, and assured work allocation without algorithmic bias.
  • Unions announced a follow-up nationwide strike for Dec. 31, warning of deeper disruptions during New Year’s Eve peak ordering.
  • The walkouts coincide with new labour codes and some state gig-worker laws that envisage platform contributions to social security, though unions say enforcement lags, and companies had not issued detailed responses at the time of reporting.