Gig workers’ strike: Union president calls for removal of 10-minute delivery model

Ahead of a planned strike on New Year’s Eve, Shaik Salauddin, founder-president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), has called for the removal of the 10-minute delivery option from all food and grocery platforms offering the service.

About 170,000 last-mile delivery personnel have confirmed to gig workers’ unions that they will be joining strikes planned for December 31 across various parts of the country.

“Our demands are clear. We want the removal of the 10-minute delivery model since it's leading to accidents, injuries, and mental stress,” Salauddin told ET. “We are ready to conduct discussions with the companies but they haven’t reached out to us yet. We want the government to take necessary steps for the welfare of gig workers.”


Companies have reported record orders for the past two years on New Year’s Eve. According to industry watchers, the strike will lead to a 10-20% order fall since it will only affect some cities in South India.

“As of morning, platforms were receiving their regular orders so we didn’t start the strike. Riders will start logging off from afternoon going up till evening during peak hours,” said Salauddin.

The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and TGPWU had called for two strikes — on December 25 and 31 — demanding job security, higher pay, safer working conditions, and social security benefits.

On Christmas Day, about 40,000 riders across the country conducted strikes and bike rallies, which led to 50-60% of orders being delayed, according to the unions.

Soon after, quick commerce and food delivery platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Bigbasket rolled out additional incentives and advertised better earning opportunities to keep last-mile personnel online on December 31.

Videos made by Swiggy and Zomato circulating in delivery workers’ WhatsApp groups claim incentives of up to Rs 10,000 are up for grabs if they remain online on December 31 and January 1.