Zomato and Swiggy Increase Gig Worker Pay in Response to New Year Strike Threats
On December 31, 2025, food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy boosted incentives for their delivery partners. This move came in response to calls for a nationwide gig workers’ strike on the eve of the New Year.
Zomato offered its delivery partners payouts ranging from ₹120 to ₹150 per order during peak hours (6 pm to 12 am). This incentive structure allowed for potential earnings of up to ₹3,000 per day. Additionally, the company temporarily waived penalties on order denials and cancellations.
In a similar vein, Swiggy upped its incentives, promising delivery workers earnings of up to ₹10,000 across December 31 and January 1. The peak-hour pay could reach up to ₹2,000 during the critical 6 pm to 12 am window. Both companies affirmed that this was part of their standard operating protocol during high-demand festive periods.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) reported that over 1.7 lakh workers confirmed participation in the strike. The workers’ demands included better payouts and improved working conditions. The strike had the potential to disrupt operations at Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto during one of the busiest ordering periods of the year.
Source: Siasat.com