Gig Workers Halt Deliveries: Nationwide Strike Hits Christmas & New Year’s Eve

Gig workers from Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Blinkit, Zepto, and Flipkart have announced a nationwide strike on December 25 (Christmas) and December 31 (New Year’s Eve), 2025, to protest deteriorating working conditions, low wages, lack of safety, and absence of social security protections.

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Key details of the strike

• Dates: December 25 (Christmas) and December 31 (New Year’s Eve), 2025
• Platforms affected: Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, Flipkart
• Organizers: Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU)
• Nature of protest: Delivery partners will stop work for two hours nationwide, disrupting services during peak demand.

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Why gig workers are protesting

• Deteriorating working conditions: Workers cite longer hours, higher delivery loads, and unsafe environments.
• Low wages: Many claim earnings have stagnated despite rising living costs.
• Lack of social security: No access to health insurance, pensions, or job security.
• Safety concerns: Delivery partners face risks on roads without adequate protections.
• Dignity and recognition: Workers argue they are treated as disposable labor rather than essential service providers.

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Impact on consumers

• Food delivery delays: Swiggy and Zomato orders may face disruptions during the strike hours.
• Quick-commerce interruptions: Blinkit and Zepto deliveries of groceries and essentials could be delayed.
• E-commerce logistics: Amazon and Flipkart deliveries may also be affected, especially last-minute holiday shopping.
• Peak demand timing: The strike coincides with Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Eve parties, when demand for food and quick deliveries is at its highest.

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Comparison of platforms affected

Platform	Sector	Likely impact during strike
Swiggy	Food delivery	Delays in restaurant orders
Zomato	Food delivery	Disruption in festive meal deliveries
Blinkit	Quick-commerce	Grocery & essentials delayed
Zepto	Quick-commerce	Similar disruptions in urban centers
Amazon	E-commerce	Logistics delays, especially last-minute gifts
Flipkart	E-commerce

Unions have issued official statements, while platforms themselves have remained largely silent so far. The strike was formally announced by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), who framed it as a protest against “deteriorating working conditions, denial of fair wages, workplace safety, dignity, and social security”.