The action, announced by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App-Based, aims to disrupt last-mile deliveries across the country as New Year celebrations peak.
Union leaders cited declining earnings, arbitrary penalties, unsafe work practices, and zero social security as core grievances. They urged the central and state governments to regulate gig economy platforms immediately.
A nine-point charter of demands includes transparent pay structures, scrapping ultra-fast 10-minute delivery models, ending ID blocks without due process, providing safety gear, ensuring algorithmic fairness, and introducing health insurance, accident cover, and pensions.
Workers also called for respectful treatment, mandatory breaks, and better technical support for app glitches.
Gig workers—typically paid per task rather than a fixed salary—include delivery riders, drivers, and logistics staff tied to app-based platforms. They fall into categories like independent contractors, online platform associates, on-call temps, contract firm employees, and short-term hires.
Many remain linked to one company for years despite lacking formal employee benefits.
A smaller strike planned for December 25 showed limited impact, but unions expect broader participation on December 31.
The gig sector has boomed in India, employing millions, yet remains largely unregulated. Labour experts warn prolonged unrest could strain e-commerce supply chains and prompt policy shifts.
As platforms rely heavily on these workers for growth, the standoff highlights growing tensions in India's informal economy.
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