New Year’s Eve Strike Alert: Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit Deliveries May Face Big Delays on Dec 31

Food delivery and online shopping plans for New Year’s Eve could run into unexpected disruption, as gig workers associated with multiple platforms have called for an all-India strike on December 31. The proposed protest may affect key players across food delivery, quick-commerce and ecommerce — including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart — at a time when demand typically peaks.

Why Delivery Delays Are Expected on December 31

Strike Call Led by Gig Worker Unions

According to reports, the strike has been jointly called by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union.

The timing is crucial — December 25 and December 31 consistently rank among the busiest days of the year, driven by party orders, festive meals, and last-minute online shopping. If participation is high, customers may see:

• Longer delivery timelines

• Fewer available delivery partners

• Possible disruption in select cities

Why Gig Workers Are Protesting

Concerns Over Pay and Working Conditions

Workers say concerns around fair pay and working conditions have remained unresolved. While order volumes rise, many claim earnings haven’t kept pace — forcing longer working hours just to maintain modest incomes, particularly during peak festive periods.

Safety Issues and “10-Minute Delivery” Pressure

Safety is a major flashpoint. Workers argue aggressive timelines, especially under ultra-fast delivery models, increase accident risk and stress.

They also highlight sudden account deactivations with limited explanation or appeals — affecting livelihoods overnight.

Key Demands from Worker Unions

Better Pay and Transparent Policies

Unions are seeking:

• Transparent and fair pay structures

• Removal of unrealistic ultra-fast delivery promises

• Due process before account blocking

Safety, Welfare, and Social Security

They also demand:

• Mandatory safety gear

• Accident insurance protection

• Predictable work allocation

• Rest breaks and reasonable working hours

• Robust grievance support

Beyond platforms, unions are urging government intervention to formally recognise gig workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively.

Government Framework and Social Security Fund

India’s ongoing labour reforms aim to bring gig and platform workers into a structured framework.

Under the Code on Social Security, platforms must contribute 1–2% of annual turnover (capped at 5% of total payments made to workers) into a Social Security Fund. While unions acknowledge progress, they argue benefits haven’t reached workers consistently due to weak implementation.

What Consumers Should Expect on December 31

Possible Evening Delays and Limited Service

The most visible impact, if the strike proceeds, will likely be:

• Evening delivery delays

• Service limitations in some areas

Platforms may deploy contingency plans — but users are advised to pre-plan New Year orders to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Bottom Line

The strike reflects broader debates around the gig economy — balancing customer expectations, platform growth, and fair working conditions for the people powering these services.