Gig Workers Protest: Food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy have announced a hike in incentives for their delivery partners amid a strike called by the gig workers's unions on New Year's Eve. They announced the hike on Wednesday to ensure minimal disruptions in services; however, this is a standard practice they follow on key occasions. Earlier on Tuesday, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) announced that thousands of gig workers are set to join the protest demanding a better pay structure and working conditions.
The hike in incentives has been announced as these platforms are likely to witness a significant surge in orders on New Year's Eve. "This is part of our standard annual operating protocol during festive periods, which typically see higher earning opportunities due to increased demand," an Eternal spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI.
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The delivery partners associated with Zomato will get payouts of Rs 120 to Rs 150 per order during the peak hours, reported PTI, citing sources. Apart from this, the platform has also temporarily waived penalties on order denials and cancellations, reported PTI.
Earlier on Tuesday, the gig workers' associations announced that thousands of delivery partners have agreed to participate in the protest, adding that the delivery platforms did not take any action even after several warnings.
In a joint statement, TGPWU and IFAT urged all the gig workers to participate in the protest to make it effective. "All gig workers, platform workers, digital platform workers, app-based workers, and online freelancers are earnestly requested to participate in the national strike by shutting down all work-related applications and abstaining from providing services on December 31, 2025, thereby making the strike united and effective," they stated.