Zomato, Swiggy in Focus: Platform Workers to Extend Strike Till December 31; Seek ₹20 per Km Pay, Halt to 10-Min Deliveries

India’s platform-based delivery workers have extended their nationwide strike till December 31, 2025. Their primary demands include fair compensation, better safety standards and an end to 10-minute delivery expectations enforced by several platforms. 

Workers Demand ₹20/km Rate, Monthly Assurance of ₹24,000 and Safety Improvements 

The strike, led by the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), began on December 25, 2025. Workers from major delivery platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Flipkart, and BigBasket are participating.  

The union has requested implementation of a ₹20 per kilometre compensation rate and a monthly guarantee of ₹24,000. It has also urged the government to address unsafe work conditions caused by rapid delivery deadlines of 10 to 20 minutes. 

Call for Withdrawal of Ultra-Fast Delivery Mandates 

The GIPSWU argues that the current ultra-fast delivery mandates not only increase risks to worker safety but also violate provisions set out in the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.  

The union cites this as a significant reason workers feel compelled to resist the operational practices of their respective platforms. 

Read More: Swiggy, Eternal Share Price Drop Up to 2% After Gig Workers Strike; Zepto IPO Filing Update! 

Legal Recognition and Algorithm-Based Management Criticised 

GIPSWU has submitted a memorandum to Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, pointing out the systemic exclusion of gig workers from India’s labour framework.  

They criticise algorithm-based evaluations, such as arbitrary ID bans and rating penalties, saying these create unjust working conditions and lack transparent grievance options. 

Gender-Specific Demands and Women Workers’ Safety 

The union has also brought attention to women workers’ concerns, advocating for limited work radii, provision of emergency leave and maternity protection to ensure safer working environments.  

These issues become crucial as more women become part of India's growing gig economy. 

Conclusion 

The strike highlights unresolved challenges faced by gig workers, including legal ambiguity, algorithmic penalties and unfair compensation. With protests extending till December 31, 2025, the workers seek a review of current delivery policies and formal recognition of their labour rights. 

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