Higher Incentives Amid Strike Threat
Food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy have increased incentives for delivery partners ahead of New Year’s Eve, as gig worker unions have called for a nationwide strike seeking better payouts and working conditions. The companies said higher payouts during festive periods are part of their standard operating practices to manage peak demand.
Union Calls and Potential Disruption
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) have claimed that a large number of workers plan to participate in the December 31 strike. Industry sources said the action could affect food delivery and quick commerce services operated by platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto, when order volumes are typically at their highest.
Zomato’s Payout Structure
Zomato has offered delivery partners payouts ranging from ₹120 to ₹150 per order during peak hours between 6 pm and 12 am on New Year’s Eve. The platform has also indicated that delivery partners could earn up to ₹3,000 over the course of the day, depending on order volumes and availability. In addition, Zomato has temporarily waived penalties for order denials and cancellations, describing this as a routine measure during high-demand periods.
Swiggy’s Incentive Push
Swiggy has also increased year-end incentives, with delivery partners being offered earnings of up to ₹10,000 across December 31 and January 1. On New Year’s Eve, the platform is advertising peak-hour earnings of up to ₹2,000 during the six-hour window from 6 pm to midnight, according to people familiar with the matter.
Escalating Worker Demands
Gig worker unions said the strike follows an earlier protest on December 25, after which they allege there was no meaningful engagement from platforms on concerns around falling earnings, safety and working hours. Union representatives said participation numbers could rise through the day.
Sector Context
The developments highlight ongoing tensions between platform companies and gig workers, particularly during periods of peak demand when service continuity and labour conditions come into sharper focus.
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