Delivery partners for major platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto and Amazon staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday, organised by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT). Riders say chronic underpayment, eroded payment schedules and the absence of reliable insurance have left many unable to cover basic costs despite working long hours.
Gig Worker Strike India Forces Calls for Regulation
Workers described extreme pressure on the job. One rider told ANI that cancellations often carry penalties that fall on the delivery partner and that many routinely work 14 to 16 hours a day. “After working 14 hours, we’re only getting 700-800,” he said. Another recounted a colleague’s accident at Barakhamba where the promised insurance support did not materialise, forcing fellow riders to raise funds to cover immediate needs.
The grievances centre on changes to the so called rate card, a fixed payment schedule for deliveries. Riders say initial rates were adequate but recent adjustments have reduced earnings, while the addition of ultra-fast delivery options has increased risks. The 10-minute delivery promise has been singled out by union leaders and a parliamentarian as a key driver of unsafe behaviour and exploitative incentives.
Shaik Salauddin, president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, said unions have called earlier strikes and now claim the backing of more than 150,000 workers nationwide. He asked both state and central governments to step in, urging the removal of the 10-minute delivery option and the reinstatement of prior payout levels. Salauddin also accused some companies of using intimidation tactics against organisers and blocking the accounts of strike leaders.
Political support has emerged for regulatory interventions. Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha argued that 10-minute delivery models prioritise rapid growth and higher valuations at the expense of worker safety and fair pay. He proposed setting maximum working hours for gig workers to prevent people from working 14 to 16 hours a day in pursuit of incentives.
Operational impacts were visible in Delhi where many riders stayed off the roads in solidarity. Platform firms have not issued a detailed response in the immediate aftermath, though industry representatives have previously said they offer incentives, accident cover and dispute resolution channels. Riders in this strike say such measures are insufficient or difficult to access.
Labour activists and legal experts note the strike highlights gaps in Indias approach to platform work. The absence of a clear regulatory framework means gig workers often lack social security, standard working hours and enforceable grievance mechanisms. Observers say the dispute could push policymakers to consider rules that balance platform innovation with worker protections.
As organisers signal further action if talks do not progress, the dispute could prompt fresh debate on how to regulate app based work across India. Governments, platforms and unions now face pressure to negotiate solutions that address pay, insurance access and the safety risks linked to ultra-fast delivery targets.
Key Takeaways:
- Delivery partners from Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto and Amazon staged a nationwide walkout over pay, insurance and ‘rate card’ changes.
- Organised by IFAT and backed by unions, the gig worker strike India has seen over 150,000 supporters and demands removal of the 10-minute delivery option.
- Union leaders and politicians seek government intervention to reinstate previous payouts and set maximum working hours for app-based workers.
