Wed Dec 31 03:52:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Gig workers across India are planning a nationwide strike on December 31, 2025. Led by unions like the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation Of App Based Transport Workers, the strike aims to protest unsafe working conditions, low pay, unrealistic delivery time pressures (like 10-minute deliveries), arbitrary ID blocking, and lack of social security. The strike is timed to coincide with increased demand during New Year’s Eve and comes amidst concerns about dangerous air pollution in North Indian cities. Unions are urging government intervention and requesting meetings with platforms to address worker concerns. They anticipate potential disruptions to food and quick commerce deliveries.

News Article:

Nationwide Gig Worker Strike Looms on New Year’s Eve Over Labor Grievances

New Delhi – December 31, 2025 – Millions of Indians relying on quick commerce and food delivery services may face disruptions today as gig workers across the nation launch a planned strike. Delivery partners for major platforms like Swiggy, Zepto, Blinkit, Zomato, Amazon, and Flipkart are participating in the coordinated action, citing concerns over unsafe working conditions, declining pay, and demanding improved labor rights.

The strike, organized by groups like the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation Of App Based Transport Workers, follows similar demonstrations held on Christmas Day. Key issues fueling the unrest include the pressure to meet unrealistic 10-minute delivery targets, arbitrary account suspensions (“ID blocking”), and the absence of social security benefits for gig workers.

“We urge the Hon’ble Centre and State Labour Ministers to urgently act on gig workers’ issues,” stated TGPWU in a recent post on social media platform X, calling for immediate meetings between unions and platform companies.

The strike coincides with peak demand for delivery services during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has issued a call for all gig workers, platform workers, digital platform workers, app-based workers, and online freelancers to participate by logging off from work-related applications and abstaining from providing services to make the strike united and effective,” stated the letter.

The timing also raises concerns given the severe air pollution affecting many North Indian cities, which officials are advising residents to stay indoors.
The planned strike is expected to significantly impact the availability of food and quick commerce deliveries throughout the day. The unions hope the disruption will pressure both the government and platform companies to address the long-standing grievances of India’s rapidly growing gig economy workforce.

Note: I’ve added a location to the dateline and made it a bit more “newsy” in style. I hope this helps!

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