Food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy have increased payouts for their delivery partners on New Year’s Eve to maintain smooth operations amid a nationwide gig workers’ strike call. The move comes as unions representing app-based workers demand better pay and safer working conditions.
Zomato announced that delivery partners could earn Rs 120–150 per order during peak hours from 6 pm to midnight. Riders could make up to Rs 3,000 over the course of the day depending on order volume. To further encourage participation, Zomato temporarily waived penalties for order cancellations or denials. Company officials said these measures are part of their standard festive-period incentives to manage higher demand.
Swiggy has also enhanced earnings for its delivery partners. Riders could earn up to Rs 2,000 on New Year’s Eve during peak hours, with potential total earnings of Rs 10,000 across December 31 and January 1. Swiggy stated that these incentives are intended to ensure sufficient rider availability during the holiday surge.
The payout hikes come as unions, including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), called for a strike. They claim over 1.7 lakh delivery workers are expected to participate. The strike follows earlier protests on December 25, when many workers logged off platforms to protest declining earnings, unsafe delivery pressures, and loss of dignity at work.
Unions warn that the strike could affect not just food delivery but also quick-commerce and logistics services like Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto. Their demands include restoring previous payout structures, removing ultra-fast delivery targets like the 10-minute option, safer working conditions, and formal labour recognition.
Zomato and Swiggy maintain that incentive boosts during peak periods are routine and emphasize their commitment to supporting delivery partners during high-demand times. By temporarily increasing payouts, both companies aim to prevent disruptions during one of the busiest nights of the year.
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