New Delhi, January 1, 2026: Gig and platform worker unions across India staged a nationwide strike on December 31, 2025, protesting the alleged systemic denial of basic labour rights by app-based companies in food delivery, quick commerce, and ride-hailing sectors. The coordinated protest, dubbed an “App Bandh,” saw thousands of workers log out of platforms to press for urgent government intervention.
Unions, including the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), demanded a guaranteed minimum monthly income of ₹40,000, formal recognition under labour laws, workplace safety measures—particularly for women—emergency leave, and maternity protection. In a formal representation to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the unions warned that ongoing exclusion from statutory protections could worsen worker distress and threaten the sector’s long-term sustainability.
While platforms reported largely stable operations in most cities, industry sources acknowledged localized disruptions, especially during peak New Year’s Eve demand. Food delivery firms Zomato and Swiggy announced higher per-order payouts and temporary relaxations on penalties, describing them as routine festive-period measures.
Workers countered that declining earnings, rising fuel and maintenance costs, safety risks due to tight delivery timelines, and arbitrary account suspensions remain unaddressed. The strike follows a similar nationwide protest on December 25, 2025, highlighting mounting unrest within India’s rapidly growing gig economy.
