Zomato—Over 200,000 gig workers struck December 2024-January 2025 over extreme low wages, dangerous 10-minute delivery, and lack of social security

More than 200,000 delivery workers across Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, Amazon, Blinkit, and Flipkart struck on December 25, 2024 and December 31, 2025 (New Year's Eve). Workers demanded: (1) restoration of old payout system, (2) removal of 10-minute delivery model forcing unsafe speeds, (3) stopping ID deactivation without reason, (4) fixing algorithms that reduce incentives, and (5) social security including health insurance. Base pay as low as 5 rupees (10 cents) per order. Workers forced to complete 35-40 orders daily, working 16-hour days for 700 rupees ($7.70) after expenses. One delivery rider became accident victim every three days in Hyderabad; 17,000+ traffic violations recorded in single week as riders forced to run red lights. Strike caused 50-60% order delays on December 25. Union leader Shaik Salauddin: 'Delivery workers are being pushed to the breaking point by unsafe work models, falling incomes, and total absence of social protection.'