Tue Jan 13 16:00:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Delivery Aggregators Drop 10-Minute Delivery After Government Intervention; Union Celebrates

The Story:
Following a nationwide strike and protests by gig workers between December 25-31, 2025, delivery aggregators are reportedly abandoning the 10-minute delivery system. This decision follows intervention by the Union government, specifically the Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) has welcomed this move, highlighting the dangers the rapid delivery targets posed to worker safety, forcing them into unsafe road behavior and creating stressful working conditions.

Key Points:

  • Delivery aggregators are reportedly dropping the 10-minute delivery system.
  • The Union government, led by Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, intervened after pressure from gig workers and unions.
  • The TGPWU organized boycotts on December 25 and 31, 2025, to protest unsafe working conditions.
  • Shaik Salauddin, president of TGPWU, emphasized that convenience should not come at the cost of workers’ safety.
  • The TGPWU and IFAT will continue to advocate for fair, safe, and dignified working conditions for platform workers across India.

Critical Analysis:
The provided historical context confirms that the Union Labour Ministry intervened, prompting quick commerce platforms to cease the 10-minute delivery practice. This demonstrates a direct cause-and-effect relationship where worker action (strike and protests) led to union advocacy, which then spurred government intervention, and finally, a policy change by the delivery platforms. This shows a growing responsiveness by the government to the concerns of gig workers and a willingness to regulate the gig economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Organized labor action, such as the strike, can effectively influence policy decisions regarding gig economy working conditions.
  • Government intervention is possible and can lead to positive changes in worker safety standards in the gig economy.
  • The focus has shifted from prioritizing speed and convenience to considering the safety and well-being of gig workers.
  • This outcome reinforces the importance of unions and worker advocacy groups in protecting the rights of gig workers.

Impact Analysis:

The decision to drop the 10-minute delivery system may represent a broader shift in how the gig economy is regulated in India. It could set a precedent for future interventions and policies aimed at protecting gig workers’ rights, potentially leading to improved working conditions and fairer compensation. This victory for the TGPWU may encourage other labor unions to push for similar reforms across different sectors of the gig economy. Long-term, this could result in a more sustainable and equitable gig economy model that balances consumer convenience with worker safety and dignity.

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