As New Year’s Eve approaches — traditionally the busiest day for food delivery and ride-hailing services — residents across Delhi-NCR may face delays, cancellations, and limited availability. Thousands of gig workers are expected to participate in a nationwide strike, raising serious concerns about last-minute travel and food plans.
The strike has been called by multiple workers’ collectives, including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, the Gig and Platform Service Workers’ Union, and several independent worker groups. This action follows a similar protest on Christmas Day that significantly disrupted app-based services.
Why Are Gig Workers Striking?
Despite companies claiming to be “gig-worker centric,” workers say the reality on the ground tells a different story. According to worker representatives, gig workers are labelled as independent partners, which allows companies to avoid responsibility for workplace risks, accidents, and medical expenses.
“We are not covered for the risks that come with this work. Accidents, injuries, and hospital bills are treated as personal problems. The 10-minute delivery model is unrealistic and dangerous,” said a delivery worker participating in the strike.
Workers are also demanding an end to algorithm-driven delivery targets, which they say prioritise speed over safety and force them into high-risk situations.
Human Cost Behind Fast Deliveries
Nadeem, a 30-year-old delivery worker from Chandni Chowk, shared a harrowing experience. Around 10 months ago, he met with a serious accident while on duty and slipped into a coma for nearly three months.
“I spent more than ₹1 lakh on treatment. The company did not offer any financial or medical support,” he said.
Such cases, workers argue, expose the lack of social security and insurance coverage in the gig economy.
Low Earnings Despite Long Hours
Another worker, Aman from Jafrabad, highlighted the inconsistency in earnings. On a recent day, he worked seven hours, completed 11 deliveries, and earned just ₹263.
“The app’s algorithm changes abruptly. Some days you earn ₹1,000 after working 10–12 hours; on others, you barely cover basic expenses,” he explained.
Workers say fluctuating pay structures and opaque algorithms make income unpredictable and unsustainable.
Ride-Hailing Drivers Face Platform Fees
Ride-hailing app drivers face a slightly different challenge. According to Prabhat Kumar Verma, a driver based in Delhi, platforms charge up to 13% per ride as a service fee.
To avoid these charges, drivers must purchase incentive packages — similar to prepaid mobile recharges.
“You pay upfront to unlock earnings without platform fees for a limited time. Even then, after fuel and maintenance costs, the income remains very low,” Mr. Verma said.
What This Means for New Year’s Eve
With large-scale participation expected, customers may experience:
- Longer delivery times
- Ride shortages during peak hours
- Higher surge pricing
- Order cancellations
The strike highlights deeper concerns about worker safety, fair pay, and accountability in India’s rapidly growing gig economy — issues that are now impossible to ignore.
Final Thought
As consumers celebrate the New Year, the strike serves as a reminder of the invisible workforce powering app-based convenience — and the urgent need for fair labour protections in the digital economy.
