Nationwide Gig Worker Strike Looms Over New Year’s Eve

New Delhi, December 31, 2025: A massive disruption is being witnessed across India’s quick-commerce landscape as thousands of gig workers prepare for a nationwide strike. On December 31, 2025, delivery partners from major platforms including Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto have been urged by unions to log off during the busiest night of the year. The strike, organized by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), aims to draw attention to deteriorating working conditions and a perceived lack of social security for the “invisible” workforce powering the 10-minute delivery economy.

Demands for Fair Wages and Safety

The protest is being driven by a comprehensive list of demands aimed at systemic reform. It has been reported that workers are seeking a minimum per-kilometer rate of ₹20 and a guaranteed monthly income of ₹40,000 to combat rising living costs. A primary flashpoint for the strike is the controversial 10-minute delivery model, which is described by union leaders as a “death trap” that forces riders to violate traffic rules and risk their lives. The abolition of arbitrary ID blocking and the implementation of human-led grievance redressal systems—replacing opaque AI bots—have also been listed as non-negotiable requirements for returning to work.

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The Voice of the Viral Rider: Benjamin Ryan Gautam

Amid the rising tensions, Benjamin Ryan Gautam, a Blinkit delivery partner who became an internet sensation for his “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos, has been observed speaking out. Known for his infectious positivity and “dhandha time” reels, Benjamin’s participation in the dialogue has humanized the struggle for many netizens. While he was heard expressing satisfaction with his personal payouts in a recent interview, he acknowledged the immense pressure of the 10-minute delivery mandate. His perspective is being cited as a bridge between the enthusiastic “partner” persona promoted by companies and the harsh operational realities faced by workers on the ground.

Impact on New Year’s Eve Celebrations

The timing of the strike is being viewed as a strategic move to leverage the year-end surge in orders, which typically sees millions of deliveries in a single night. While companies have been observed offering surge pay and prizes like electric vehicles to keep riders online, unions have warned that nearly 40,000 to 1,00,000 workers may participate in the log-off. Service disruptions of up to 60% have already been predicted in major hubs like Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi. Commuters and party-goers are being advised to expect significant delays or order cancellations as the “delivery war” between algorithmic control and worker rights reaches its peak.

A Call for Government Intervention

As 2025 draws to a close, the strike is being presented as a final plea for legislative action. A memorandum has been submitted to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging the government to formally recognize gig workers as “employees” rather than “partners.” The protest highlights a growing global conversation about digital capitalism and the need for a social safety net that includes health insurance and maternity leave for platform workers. Whether the strike results in immediate policy changes or not, the collective action has already succeeded in making the welfare of delivery riders a central theme of the 2026 economic agenda.