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Swiggy, Zomato Boost Pay Amid Gig Worker Strike Calls for New Year's Eve

Swiggy and Zomato have announced increased delivery incentives and waived penalties for workers during the New Year's period, responding to calls for a nationwide strike by gig worker unions. The strike action, protesting pay, conditions, and social security, follows earlier disruptions on December 25th. While platforms aim to manage high holiday demand, unions are mobilizing for continued action. The moves come against a backdrop of formal social security frameworks for gig workers established under recent Indian labor codes.

Key Points: Swiggy, Zomato Hike Incentives as Gig Workers Strike

  • Peak-hour pay hikes
  • Penalty waivers
  • Strike call protests
  • Social security code provisions
2 min read

Swiggy, Zomato hike delivery incentives amid nationwide gig workers' strike call

Food delivery platforms increase peak-hour pay and waive penalties amid nationwide strike protests over wages and working conditions.

"Unions have claimed wider participation and urged continued mobilisation on December 31, 2025. - Worker Unions"

New Delhi, Dec 31

Food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato have rolled out higher incentives for its delivery workers during peak hours and year‑end days amid a nationwide strike call by gig and platform workers.

The incentive push follows calls by delivery worker unions for strikes on December 25 and December 31 to protest pay, working conditions and lack of social security.

Zomato has offered delivery partners payouts of Rs 120-150 per order during peak hours between 6 pm and 12 am as it is set to face higher order volumes around New Year's Eve.

The company also promised earnings of up to Rs 3,000 over the course of the day, subject to order volumes and availability. The platform has also temporarily waived penalties on order denials and cancellations to reduce income risk during uneven order flow.

Swiggy offered delivery workers earnings of up to Rs 10,000 across December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026, with peak‑hour pay of up to Rs 2,000 between 6 pm and 12 am on New Year's Eve. Quick commerce player Zepto has also increased incentives for delivery partners.

Earlier on December 25, 2025 strike, brief, localised disruptions were reported in food delivery, though platforms said operations stabilised later in the day. Unions have claimed wider participation and urged continued mobilisation on December 31, 2025.

On NSE, Swiggy Limited shares were priced at Rs 390.55 apiece, down Rs 13.45 or 3.33 per cent over the past five days. Over the same period, Eternal Limited, parent company of Zomato dropped by Rs 5.60 or 1.96 per cent to Rs 280.

Gig and platform workers in India benefit from formal legal recognition, portable social‑security benefits and a national registration framework through e-Shram under provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020 of the new labour codes.

Under the Social Security code, aggregators are required to contribute 1-2 per cent of annual turnover, capped at 5 per cent of payments made or payable to gig and platform workers to a Social Security Fund, an official statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As a customer, I fully support the delivery workers. We order so much, especially during festivals, and these guys are out there in the cold and pollution. Rs 10,000 over two days sounds great but is it achievable for most? Platforms should ensure these benefits reach everyone, not just a few in high-demand areas.
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Aman W
The article mentions the Social Security Code, but implementation is key. 1-2% of turnover sounds small for these giant companies. Gig workers are the backbone of this convenience economy. They deserve PF, health benefits, and job security like any other formal employee. Jai Hind to the workers standing up for their rights! ✊
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the share price drop mentioned. It shows market nerves. These incentives are a direct cost to their bottom line. While necessary, I hope it leads to a sustainable model where worker welfare is built into the business plan, not just a reaction to strikes. Long-term stability benefits everyone - workers, companies, and customers.
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Karthik V
Waiving penalties on denials is a smart move. Sometimes the order flow is unpredictable or the location is too far. The pressure to accept every order can be immense. This temporary relief shows the companies understand the practical challenges, at least during peak season. Hope they keep this flexibility.
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Nisha Z
My New Year's resolution is to tip more generously, especially on days like today. These incentives are company-side, but as users we have a responsibility too. A small tip from us can make a big difference in their daily earnings. Let's be more mindful and appreciative of the service. 🙏

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