Big shock on New Year Eve: Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit-Zepto delivery boys on strike, online orders will not be delivered.

New Delhi. Gig workers across the country are preparing for a big protest on New Year’s Eve i.e. 31st December. Delivery partners, cab drivers and home service workers associated with major platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart will go on strike, due to which food delivery and quick commerce services may be badly affected. The strike is being led by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union.

This is the second major step after the Christmas strike, which will affect one of the busiest days of the year. The impact of the strike on December 25 was most visible in Gurugram, where order delivery was delayed by hours in many areas like Sector 66, Sohna Road, Sector 31 and 47. The impact was less in Delhi-Noida, but at many places delivery workers were seen gathering on the streets and protesting.

Major demands of gig workers

Employees have been pleading for better working conditions for a long time. Their main demands are as follows:
– Guaranteed income equal to minimum wage and transparent payment system (at least Rs 20 per kilometer for cab drivers)
– Limit of 8 hours a day, overtime payment for additional work
– Insurance and social security for accident, illness and emergency
– Immediate closure of models like ’10 minute delivery’ as it increases speed and risk
– Stopping delivery after 11 pm during dense fog in winter, to ensure safety

Union leaders say that the platform companies are earning profits, but the income of the employees is decreasing and there is no provision for security. Some employees complained that their accounts were being blocked for participating in the strike.

This news is a matter of concern for those planning a New Year party, because December 31 is the peak day for food and quick delivery. If there is large scale participation in the strike, there may be a situation of order cancellation or delay. The companies have not yet given an official statement, but in some cities, efforts are being made to hire employees by giving incentives.