Wed Dec 31 11:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Gig Workers Strike for Better Pay on New Year’s Eve, But Some Keep Delivering

New Delhi, India – While many platform-based delivery workers for companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto participated in a nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve, demanding better working conditions and pay, some continued to deliver, citing financial necessity.

The strike, organized under the banner of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, highlights the ongoing struggle for fair wages, adequate social security, and relief from stressful working conditions. Workers are protesting against what they consider inadequate pay and challenging work environments.

“We have to do our jobs. How will we manage otherwise?” one delivery agent told ANI, adding that he supports the strike in principle but can’t afford to participate fully. Another agent in Delhi confirmed that despite the nationwide action, financial pressures are forcing some to work. “The strike has been relaxed here for the people dependent on daily wages,” he explained. “The reason for the strike is a lack of proper earnings.”

The strike is expected to impact delivery services on New Year’s Eve, a peak demand period. However, companies like Zomato and Swiggy are attempting to mitigate the impact by offering increased incentives to their delivery partners.

PTI reported that Zomato is offering payouts ranging from ₹120-150 per order during peak hours, with potential earnings of up to ₹3,000 for the day. Swiggy is also offering hiked incentives, promising some delivery partners up to ₹10,000 for working across December 31st and January 1st.

Despite these incentives, the strike underscores the precarious nature of gig work and the ongoing fight for better treatment and compensation for the essential workers who power these delivery platforms. The outcome of the strike and its impact on delivery services remains to be seen.

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