New Year’s Eve deliveries run smoothly as Zomato, Swiggy raise gig worker payouts amid strike calls

Food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy have rolled out higher incentives for delivery partners on New Year’s Eve, describing the move as part of their “standard festive protocol,” even as gig workers’ unions have called for a nationwide strike. The companies aim to minimise service disruptions during one of the busiest ordering periods of the year, an Eternal spokesperson told PTI.

Gig workers’ unions announce nationwide strike on December 31, demand better pay and safer conditions

The incentive rollout comes after gig workers’ unions, including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), announced a countrywide strike on December 31. The unions are demanding better payouts, safer working conditions and greater dignity at work.

Zomato is offering delivery partners payouts ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 150 per order during peak hours between 6 pm and 12 am on New Year’s Eve. The platform has also assured earnings of up to Rs 3,000 for the day, depending on order volume and worker availability, according to people familiar with the matter. To ease pressure, Zomato has temporarily waived penalties for order denials and cancellations.

“This is part of our standard annual operating protocol during festive periods, which usually bring higher earning opportunities due to increased demand,” an Eternal spokesperson said.

Swiggy has also increased incentives to manage the year-end surge in orders. The platform is offering delivery partners the chance to earn up to Rs 10,000 across December 31 and January 1. For New Year’s Eve alone, Swiggy has advertised peak-hour earnings of up to Rs 2,000 during the six-hour window from 6 pm to 12 am, when order volumes are typically at their highest, sources told PTI.

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Meanwhile, gig workers’ unions reiterated their strike call, stating that participation is gaining momentum nationwide. In a joint statement, TGPWU and IFAT said that more than 1.7 lakh app-based delivery workers across India had confirmed participation, with numbers expected to rise further by evening.

The unions warned that the strike could disrupt operations of food delivery and quick-commerce platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto during one of the busiest days of the year.

December 31 strike follows December 25 protest over falling earnings and rising work pressure

The December 31 strike follows an earlier protest on December 25, when thousands of delivery workers logged off platforms across Telangana and other regions. The unions said the earlier action highlighted falling earnings, increasing delivery pressure and deteriorating working conditions, but platform companies failed to respond with meaningful dialogue or policy changes.

Calling for broader participation, the unions urged workers to stay offline on December 31 to strengthen the protest.

TGPWU president Shaik Salauddin said rapid delivery models and changes in payment systems have significantly reduced workers’ earnings. He added that workers have submitted five key demands, including the restoration of older payout structures used during major festivals and the removal of fast-delivery options from platforms. Salauddin said the unions remain open to discussions but want immediate action from companies.

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