Gig workers across India staged a strike on Wednesday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) jointly called for the protest, though participation remained limited, with many members absent from work.
The strike had little effect on e-commerce and online food delivery operations, but some localized demonstrations were reported. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) extended support, urging gig workers to be recognized as factory employees.
To mitigate the strike’s impact, platforms introduced incentives: Zomato offered Rs. 120–150 per order for deliveries between 6 pm and midnight, promising daily earnings of up to Rs. 3,000 without penalties for cancellations or rejections, while Swiggy increased payments, indicating affiliated delivery personnel could earn up to Rs. 10,000 between December 31 and January 1.